HAL Set to Deliver First Two Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jets by September-End
Tejas Mk‑1A to bolster IAF capabilities as HAL gears up for expanded production under Make in India
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is on track to deliver the first two Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of this month, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed. The delivery marks a critical milestone under the ₹48,000-crore contract signed in 2021 for 83 Mk-1A jets.
The Tejas Mk-1A, an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), comes equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. The jets being delivered will feature full weapons integration.
The project faced delays primarily due to late deliveries of the F404-IN20 engines from US-based General Electric (GE). The first engine arrived only in March 2025, nearly two years behind schedule. GE has since committed to supplying two engines per month until March 2026, helping HAL stabilize its production line.
In response, HAL has ramped up manufacturing capabilities at its Bengaluru facility, setting up parallel assembly lines and partnering with private vendors such as Alpha Tocol under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. These steps are expected to significantly boost annual output.
To ensure timely delivery, the Ministry of Defence established a high-level committee headed by the Defence Secretary to monitor production progress. In July, the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, P.K. Mishra, visited HAL's Bengaluru plant and reviewed the ongoing assembly of six Mk-1A jets and two trainers.
HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil has also assured faster production schedules following concerns raised by the IAF over dwindling squadron strength.
The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A fighters in a deal worth approximately ₹62,000 crore. However, the Defence Ministry has stated that the contract will only be signed after the successful delivery of the first two aircraft, which serve as proof of readiness.
Once finalized, the follow-up order will keep HAL’s production lines engaged for the next 4–5 years and expand the IAF’s Tejas fleet to over 180 aircraft.
The Tejas Mk-1A is expected to play a vital role in replacing ageing MiG-21 fighters and strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. HAL aims to scale up deliveries to 16–24 jets annually from FY 2025–26, with plans to complete the delivery of all 83 jets by 2028.
The successful rollout of the Mk-1A will be a major step forward for India's indigenous aerospace industry and a strategic boost to the IAF’s combat readiness.