IAF Chief slams HAL over delay in Tejas production
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has once again questioned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) ability to meet deadlines for the much-delayed Tejas aircraft production. He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the ‘incomplete’ Tejas Mark 1A jet presented to him.
Separately, on Tuesday, the HAL Chairman and Managing Director stated at Aero India that the company would deliver the contracted 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets in “three and a half years from now”.
A six-minute conversation between the IAF Chief and a HAL test pilot has surfaced on a YouTube channel. The veracity of the video has not been denied by either the IAF or the Ministry of Defence.
In the video, the IAF Chief is heard saying, “I can tell you what our requirements and concerns are. You have to address these concerns and build our confidence. At the moment, I am just not confident in HAL.”
He pointed out that HAL currently has orders for 200 aircraft — 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets already contracted, with negotiations ongoing for another 97. “I can understand the dependency on the engine supplier (US company General Electric),” he said.
He added, “I was promised that by February, 11 Tejas Mark 1A jets would be ready. Not a single one is ready.”
Criticising the aircraft flown at Aero India, he remarked, “The jet you flew, calling it a Mark 1A, is not a Mark 1A. It doesn’t become one just with a software change or by appearance. When the weapons and full capability are integrated, then it’s a Mark 1A… Mazaa nahi aa raha hai (I’m not impressed).”
Minister takes sortie on ‘Yashas’
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday took a sortie on the indigenous trainer jet ‘Yashas’ at Aero India. ‘Yashas’ has been manufactured by the HAL, according to an official release. “Had the incredible opportunity to do a sortie on the HJT-36 ‘Yashas’, a remarkable jet aircraft proudly made in India by the HAL. This indigenous marvel is a testament to India’s growing prowess in aerospace and defence manufacturing,” Naidu said.
In response, the HAL team is heard saying that the concerns are “duly noted”.
“I would be the happiest person if I’m proven wrong. But something has to change — some drastic change. This needs a magic wand to align everything. It’s high time. HAL is our own company… I would love to change my perception of HAL,” ACM Singh told the test pilot.
Meanwhile, the HAL CMD said, “By the end of this year, we will be able to deliver 11-12 jets to the IAF.”
Regarding engine supplies from General Electric, he confirmed that the issue has been resolved. “We are manufacturing the aerostructures, and once the engines are available, we will begin integration,” he added.
Asked about the delivery timeline, he said, “We will make up for the delay. The order for 83 jets will be completed in three and a half years, while the production of the remaining 97 will be finished by 2031-32.”
