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IAF May Review Delays in LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jet Deliveries in May

The Indian Air Force will conduct a detailed review of the LCA Mark 1A combat aircraft project in May before deciding on accepting deliveries, which may lead to further delays. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited states it has five aircraft ready with major components like radar and weapons already integrated. Deliveries, originally expected last year, have been hampered by supply chain issues, particularly concerning the engine. The IAF has ordered 180 of these indigenous fighter jets as India pushes to strengthen its domestic aerospace industry.

Key Points: IAF to Review LCA Mark 1A Project, Deliveries May Be Delayed

  • IAF review in May may delay deliveries
  • HAL has 5 jets ready with key systems integrated
  • Supply chain issues, especially engines, caused past delays
  • 180 LCA Mark 1A aircraft ordered in two tranches
2 min read

Indian Air Force to review LCA Mark 1A aircraft project in May; deliveries may get delayed further

Indian Air Force will review Tejas Mk1A project in May, potentially delaying deliveries of 180 ordered jets despite HAL having aircraft ready.

"The delivery timeline would be decided only after that - defence sources"

New Delhi, February 4

The Indian Air Force will review the LCA Mark 1A combat aircraft project in May this year before deciding on the acceptance of delivery of these planes, of which 180 have been ordered by the force.

The project was discussed in detail in December last year. Since most aircraft projects are expected to be completed in April 2026, the Indian Air Force will review the project in detail again in May. The delivery timeline would be decided only after that, defence sources told ANI.

However, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited officials said the organisation is ready with 5 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, with major components such as radar, electronic warfare suites, and weapons already integrated, and the aircraft can be accepted.

The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 of these aircraft in two tranches, but deliveries have been delayed.

The planes were likely to be delivered last year, but the Indian Air Force has insisted that HAL provide the aircraft in a fully operational configuration.

HAL conducted the first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype from its Nashik facility on October 17.

Nashik has been developed as the third production line under the Tejas programme, alongside two in Bengaluru.

The deliveries of the aircraft were supposed to be done almost a year ago, but supply chain issues faced by the engine have pushed them back for some time.

The HAL has 15 aircraft in ready configuration and is likely to have around 20 of them ready by the end of the year.

HAL is also likely to be out of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. However, the final decision has not yet been taken by the defence ministry on this issue.

India has been pushing for a strong indigenous aerospace industry, and the prime minister even took a sortie in a single-engine LCA to show his support for the programme.

HAL is also working on major projects, including the LCA Mark 2, CATS Warrior, and other helicopter programs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While delays are disappointing, quality should not be compromised. It's better the IAF reviews thoroughly in May and accepts a fully capable aircraft than getting a half-baked product. Atmanirbharta takes time. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
V
Vikram M
The article says HAL has 15 ready and 5 with major components integrated. If they are ready, why the wait till May for a review? Bureaucratic red tape is as much a problem as supply chains. Let's streamline the process!
A
Ananya R
Building a fighter jet is incredibly complex. We should appreciate the progress HAL has made from relying completely on imports. The Nashik line is a positive step. Delays happen in all major defence projects globally. Let's support our engineers and scientists.
D
David E
Watching from abroad, India's push for indigenous defence is impressive. The Tejas program is a cornerstone. Supply chain issues, especially for engines, are a global problem right now. Patience and persistence will pay off.
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Siddharth J
The focus should now shift to LCA Mark 2 and the AMCA. Mark 1A is important, but we cannot lag in next-gen technology. Hope the decision on HAL and AMCA is taken soon. We need to think two steps ahead.

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