Tejas Mk1A fighter jet delivery to IAF delayed—here's why it matters
The Indian Air Force was set to get its new Tejas Mk1A fighter jets soon, but now the first deliveries are pushed back to 2026.
The main holdup? Not enough GE F-404 engines have arrived, so even though HAL has airframes ready, they can't finish the jets just yet.
What's happening with production?
HAL managed to get a prototype flying in October and has built and tested 10 jets so far, including successful missile trials.
If engine supplies pick up, HAL hopes to ramp up production big time.
Why should you care?
This delay means India's plans for a modern air force are running behind.
The first batch of 83 jets won't be done until at least 2029 (a year late), and even with a fresh order for nearly a hundred more, everything depends on those crucial engines arriving on time.
For anyone interested in tech or defense, it's a real look at how global supply chains can shape what happens next.