Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to hand over its first LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) from its Nashik facility. This stride in India's indigenous defense initiative promises to bolster IAF's might. Nevertheless, delays in engine supply from GE Aerospace (USA) have postponed the project by over a year.
LCA Tejas Mk-1A: Highlights
The LCA Tejas Mk-1A is an advanced version of the Tejas Mk-1, designed as a versatile multirole fighter jet for the Indian Air Force, set to replace outdated jets like the MiG-21.
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Source: aajtak
Speed: Mach 1.8 (about 2,200 km/hr).
Range: 1,850 km (extended with in-flight refueling).
Weight: 13,500 kg (maximum take-off weight).
Engine: GE F404-IN20 turbofan, 85 kN thrust.
Armament: 7 hardpoints, 23mm GSh-23 cannon, Astra BVR missile, BrahMos-NG, guided bombs.
Sensors: EL/M-2052 AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, indigenous data link.
Cost: Approximately ₹580 crores per jet (dependent on contract).
Production: HAL's Bengaluru and Nashik facilities combined can manufacture 24 jets annually.
Strengths...
Indigenous Technology: Over 65% components made in India, including the AESA radar and electronic warfare suite.
Multirole Capability: Equipped for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and naval attacks.
Cost-Effective: More affordable compared to F-35 (₹650-800 crore) and Su-57 (₹300-400 crore).
Advanced Sensors: Featuring Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar and indigenous electronic suite for modernity.
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Weaknesses...
Engine Dependency:
Delay in GE F404 engine supply.
Limited Range:
Less than F-47 (1850+ nautical miles) and Su-57 (3500 km).
Production Rate:
Delays present challenges in meeting IAF demands.
Nashik Production Line:
The New Hub for Tejas Mk-1A
Source: aajtak
To enhance production of the Tejas Mk-1A, HAL has inaugurated a third production line in Nashik. Bengaluru already hosts two lines capable of producing 16 jets per year. Features of the Nashik line include...
Capacity: Initially 5 jets annually, with plans to increase to 8. Overall, HAL's lines can produce 24 jets yearly.
Location: Nashik’s MiG complex, previously producing Su-30 MKI jets.
Private Involvement: Companies such as VEM Technologies, L&T, and Tata Advanced Systems are supplying fuselages, wings, and other components.
Progress: By May 2025, VEM Technologies handed over the first center fuselage to HAL.
First Delivery: Expected by end-June 2025 from the Nashik line to the IAF.
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Engine Supply Delays: Causes and Impact
The main cause for delay in the Tejas Mk-1A program is the late supply of F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace. Here are the key points...
Contract:
In August 2021, HAL and GE inked a $716 million (₹5,375 crore) deal for 99 F404 engines.
Original Timeline:
Engine deliveries were set to start by March/April 2023.
Current Status:
First engine was delivered in March 2025, marking nearly a two-year delay.
Reason:
GE cited global supply chain issues and COVID-19 production shutdowns.
Impact:
Initially expected by March 2024, the first Tejas Mk-1A delivery is now anticipated by June 2025.
Source: aajtak
Current Scenario...
GE has promised 12 engines in 2025-26 and 20 engines annually from 2026-27 onward. HAL carried out Tejas Mk-1A's first flight in March 2024 using reserve (Category B) engines. Three Tejas Mk-1A units are ready. Two more are expected by March-April 2025.
IAF's Concerns and HAL's Response
The Indian Air Force, standing at 31 squadrons compared to the required 42, heavily relies on the Tejas Mk-1A.
IAF's Complaint:
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh expressed "trust issues" with HAL during Aero India 2025 as not a single jet from the 2021 order of 83 jets was delivered.
HAL's Response:
HAL CMD D.K. Sunil stated that technical issues have been resolved. Deliveries will accelerate once engine supplies commence.
New Target:
HAL aims to deliver 11 jets in 2025 (1 from Nashik, 10 from Bengaluru) and 16-24 jets in 2025-26.
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Contract and Future Plans
Initial Contract:
In February 2021, IAF signed a ₹48,000 crore deal for 83 Tejas Mk-1A units.
New Order:
IAF plans to order an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A units for ₹67,000 crore, totaling 180 jets.
Timeline:
Delivery of 83 jets by 2028 and 97 additional jets by 2031.
Export Interest:
Countries like Nigeria, the Philippines, Argentina, and Egypt have shown interest in the Tejas Mk-1A.
Source: aajtak
Significance for India
IAF's Needs:
Aging jets like the MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguars are retiring. The Tejas Mk-1A will help boost squadron strength from 31 to 42.
Self-Reliant India:
With 65% indigenous parts and participation from 6,300+ Indian vendors, the Tejas is a symbol of self-reliance.
Future Outlook:
Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA (5th Gen) will further strengthen India's air force.
The first Tejas Mk-1A from HAL's Nashik facility will be ready for IAF by June 2025, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous defense program. Despite engine supply delays, HAL's efforts to increase production and involve private companies aim to mitigate these impacts.
Though not as advanced as the F-47, Su-57, or J-35A, the Tejas Mk-1A’s cost-effectiveness and indigenous tech make it crucial for India. IAF and HAL need to partner effectively to ensure timely and quality deliveries to bolster India’s air force.
