Hindustan Aeronautics Limited completes Tejas Mk1 delivery amid Mk1A delays

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed the delivery of all 40 Tejas Mk1 aircraft, marking the end of a 43-year program. However, the induction of the more advanced Tejas Mk1A variant faces delays, with deliveries now expected to begin by late 2026.

While HAL has constructed 27 Mk1A airframes and received 10 GE Aerospace F404 engines, the aircraft are not yet combat-ready. Key hurdles include the final integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems and the completion of weapons trials. HAL Chairman Ravi K noted that the radar and missile integration work is approximately 90 to 95 per cent complete.

The delay in Mk1A induction is significant for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently operates 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5. The IAF has placed substantial orders for the Mk1A, including an initial batch of 83 aircraft and a subsequent order for 97, totaling approximately ₹1.1 lakh crore for 180 aircraft.