Tejas Mark-1A takes to the skies, HAL yet to begin IAF deliveries

Indigenous fighter jet Tejas Mark-1A made its maiden flight in Nashik on Friday. Deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF), however, are expected to take a few more weeks, pending completion of weapon integration and testing.

Plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is validating weapon parameters before handing over the aircraft, originally scheduled for delivery in March 2024. The company is still integrating the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, a laser-guided bomb and the ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missile, each meant for specific air-combat roles. The IAF has asked for the integration to be completed so that the aircraft is combat-ready on delivery.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil said, “We are conducting weapon trials, and the results are positive. I expect that in the coming months we’ll complete this task and be in a position to deliver the aircraft.”

The aircraft is structurally complete, with the remaining updates limited to software changes, he added.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two contracts with HAL for a total of 180 Tejas Mark-1A jets — 83 aircraft for Rs 48,000 crore in January 2021, and another 97 for Rs 62,370 crore last month. HAL expects to complete delivery of all aircraft by 2032-33.

At Nashik, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed the maiden flight and inaugurated the third Tejas Mark-1A production line. He described the jet as a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

HAL is also facing delays in the supply of General Electric (GE) F404 engines, essential for the Tejas Mark-1A. Nearly a dozen aircraft are ready at HAL’s facility, but only four engines have been delivered so far. “GE has overcome earlier supply issues, though ramp-up is still slow,” Dr Sunil said. “As production stabilises, we’ll be able to meet the 2032-33 timeline.”

Singh noted that India’s annual defence production has now reached Rs 1.5 lakh crore, crediting the growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He also commended HAL’s Nashik team for integrating the BrahMos missile on the Sukhoi-30MKI during Operation Sindoor, strengthening IAF’s operational readiness.