SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace giant tasked with delivering the first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of this month, has been forced to postpone the delivery to November as per sources at Hindustan Times
According to Anantha Krishnan M, the delay is primarily attributed to issues with the aircraft’s AESA radar and Digital Flight Control Computer, which require extensive testing. Furthermore, the ELM 2052 AESA radar, a crucial component, is reportedly encountering significant problems.
Compounding the challenges, GE Aerospace, the supplier of F-404 engines for the Tejas, has deferred delivery of 14 engines, citing global supply chain disruptions. HAL is now expected to receive only two engines next month.
While HAL has remained silent on these recent reports, the delays are causing growing concern within the IAF, as the induction of new fighter jets is critical to maintaining combat effectiveness. The air force has expressed its disappointment with the current pace of the Tejas Mk1A program and has urged HAL to expedite the delivery of the 83 jets contracted under a Rs 48,000 crore deal.
The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced variant of the LCA Mk1, already inducted by the IAF, and is intended to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet. The persistent delays in the program have raised questions about India’s indigenous defense capabilities and its ability to meet the IAF’s urgent requirements.