MoD panel explores privatisation to speed up Tejas jet production

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set up a high-powered committee to address delays in the production of Tejas fighter jets, with privatisation being considered as a possible solution. The panel has been tasked with recommending ways to accelerate production, including greater private sector involvement.

Currently, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is contracted to manufacture 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets, but deliveries have been delayed by over a year. A major reason for the delay is the failure of US company General Electric (GE) to supply the F-404 engines that power the Tejas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally raised the issue with US President Donald Trump. “The delayed delivery of GE engines was taken up during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. We remain engaged with the US side on all aspects relating to contracted defence articles, including timely deliveries,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday.

To address these challenges, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh constituted a five-member expert committee in early February, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The panel includes the Secretary of Defence Production, the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Chairman of HAL. It has been given a one-month deadline to submit recommendations on expediting the Tejas Mark 1A’s induction.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who recently questioned HAL’s ability to meet production deadlines. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the “incomplete” Tejas Mark 1A jet presented to him.

At Aero India 2024 (Feb 10-14, Bangalore), HAL had assured that it would complete production of all 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets within the next three and a half years. Responding to criticism, HAL Chairman DK Sunil stated that the company remains focused on delivering the jets to the IAF at the earliest rather than engaging in debates over the program’s delays.

The MoD’s latest initiative signals a push to resolve bottlenecks and ensure the timely deployment of India’s indigenous fighter jets.