SOURCE: AFI
During his visit to Aero India 2025, a candid and somewhat critical conversation was caught on camera between Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil while the IAF chief was inspecting the IJT-36 Yashas trainer aircraft. The conversation, which was shared by the defense news portal NationalDefence on its YouTube channel, highlights the growing concerns within the IAF regarding the pace and progress of HAL’s production, particularly for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal Singh was blunt in his assessment of the current state of HAL’s efforts, expressing his frustration over the Tejas Mk1A program and the overall mission readiness of the company. He was heard saying, “HAL is our company, we have all worked there. But I find that HAL is just not in mission mode.”
His comments suggested a significant disconnect between the aspirations of the IAF and the current performance of HAL, especially with regard to meeting deadlines and production targets.
One of the most striking remarks from the IAF Chief was regarding the delay in the delivery of the Tejas Mk1A jets. “I was promised that when I come here in February, 11 Tejas Mk1As would be ready. And not a single one is ready,” he lamented. The absence of the promised Tejas Mk1A jets at Aero India 2025 seemed to reflect poorly on HAL’s ability to meet its production commitments, a sentiment echoed by the IAF leadership.
In a particularly critical remark, Air Chief Marshal Singh pointed out that the Tejas Mk1A jets showcased at Aero India 2025 were not the true Mk1A configuration, a version that has enhanced avionics, capabilities, and weapons integration over the earlier Mk1 variant. He stated, “The aircraft that you flew, calling it Mk1A. It is not Mk1A. It cannot happen just by change of one software or by looks. When the weapons come and the capability comes, then it’s a Mk1A.” This pointed remark underscored his disappointment with the Mk1A’s incomplete features and capabilities.
As the conversation progressed, the IAF Chief went on to express his growing frustration over what he perceived as a lack of holistic effort within HAL. He noted, “I feel that only a few are putting in any effort. Or maybe everyone is putting in effort in their own silos without looking at the overall picture.” The IAF Chief emphasized the need for drastic changes within the organization, remarking, “Something has to change. Some drastic change. This needs a magic wand so everything gets aligned. It’s high time.”
Despite the stern criticism, the IAF Chief concluded on a more hopeful note, expressing that he would be the “happiest person” if he were proven wrong. His words were not just a rebuke but also a challenge for HAL to take immediate corrective action. The IAF Chief’s candid remarks revealed an underlying sense of urgency for the company to step up its game and deliver on the promises made for the Tejas Mk1A program.
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