New Delhi: Now that the Mig-21s are history, how soon before the Indian Air Force starts receiving the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) it ordered from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)?
Officials have told India Today that the first two aircraft will be delivered in October. The fourth General Electric (GE) F-404 engine for the Tejas Mk1A is also expected to arrive soon, they said. HAL received the third engine earlier in September.
“HAL has received the third GE-404 engine for LCA Mk1A. One more engine is scheduled to be delivered by the end of September 2025. Engine supply chain improvement will pave the way for LCA Mk1A aircraft deliveries,” the company said.
While one Tejas Mk1A is ready for delivery at HAL’s Nashik facility, the second one is preparing for its maiden flight. As the engines start arriving, more aircraft will rollout from the factory. Delays in engine shipments from the US have impacted the Mk1A delivery schedule. HAL is now looking at a steady inflow of at least two engines per month from October onward to bring production back on track.
At the same time, the deal for 113 more GE F-404 engines, required for 97 additional Tejas Mk1As, has been cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Cost negotiations have been wrapped up, and only the formal signing of the contract remains. This is expected to take place soon.
According to India Today, while the F-404s remain critical for the Mk1A program, HAL has already received ten F-414 engines, which will power the more advanced LCA Mk2.
On the operational side, the Tejas Mk1A has completed weapons integration trials, including successful firings of Astra and ASRAAM air-to-air missiles. HAL has committed to deliver 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters to the IAF by 2029, though the program has seen a reported delay of four quarters. The additional order for 97 Tejas Mk1As was signed on September 25, with deliveries scheduled between 2027-28 and 2033-34.
The LCA Mk2 is scheduled for rollout in 2027.
HAL has said that its production line is on a “firm footing” despite the temporary engine supply bottleneck. Once regular engine deliveries resume, the Mk1A rollout will be accelerated to meet the IAF’s urgent operational needs.