Tejas Mk1A delivery crisis deepens as March deadline slips further
What's the story
The delivery of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1a fighter jets is likely to be delayed beyond May. The delay is due to ongoing integration work of avionics and pending final certifications. At least five jets have been manufactured, however, they are not yet fit for induction in their current state.
Timeline shift
LCA Mk1A deliveries have been pushed back multiple times
The indigenous program has been delayed multiple times, with initial deliveries scheduled for March 2025. However, due to engine supply delays, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) revised the deadline to March 2026. This new deadline is also likely to be missed as operational demonstrations apart from weapons firing are still pending.
Integration issues
Delays in integration of critical systems
Part of the delay in the LCA Mk1a delivery can be attributed to foreign vendors' delays in supplying critical parts. However, integration of all systems is taking longer than expected. Before induction, the aircraft need to have a fully functional electronic warfare suite and a glitch-free integrated Active Electrically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Production efforts
HAL has ramped up production capacity
Despite these delays, HAL has ramped up production capacity by starting a new final integration line in Nashik apart from Bengaluru. The induction of jets is dependent on final certifications by the Air Force after a thorough performance evaluation. HAL has publicly stated its intention to offer five aircraft for induction by March this year.
Order details
IAF has ordered a total of 180 LCA Mk1A fighters
The Indian Air Force has ordered a total of 180 LCA Mk1A fighters to address its combat aircraft shortage. In September, the defense ministry signed a ₹62,370-crore contract for 97 LCA Mk1A, which includes 68 fighters and 29 twin-seater trainers. The Air Force is also likely to order around 114 new Rafale fighter jets to be produced in India.