Tech Desk: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive a significant boost to its combat capabilities as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirms the delivery of 10 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by March 2027. This crucial announcement comes after overcoming initial delays, with 27 airframes already prepared and a fresh batch of 10 F404-IN20 engines arriving from US-based GE Aerospace. This marks a pivotal moment for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft program.

The initial delivery, originally slated for March 2024, faced setbacks due to engine supply issues and pending technical certifications. While HAL has completed 90-95% of the integration work on the first batch, final clearances hinge on rigorous flight testing of critical combat systems, including the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and weapons integration. This involves flying the jets with missiles attached to ensure structural and aerodynamic stability before official handover.

HAL adopted a proactive production strategy, continuing to manufacture airframes even without engine supplies, resulting in 27 fully built Tejas Mk1A airframes awaiting propulsion systems. CMD Ravi K confirmed that the 10 recently received GE engines will be directly utilized for completing the first 10 aircraft. An additional 12 engines are expected by December 2026, though HAL’s conservative delivery target of 10 by March 2027 highlights the intensive final assembly and flight testing required for each jet.

The Tejas Mk1A is vital for the IAF, which faces a severe fighter squadron shortage. With two orders totaling 180 aircraft, HAL aims to clear the backlog within three to four years, maintaining a production capacity of 24 jets annually. Future batches will feature increased indigenisation, including the Indian-developed Uttam AESA radar and ‘Swayam Raksha Kavach’ electronic warfare suite, solidifying the Tejas platform as the backbone of India’s aerial defense.