The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are scheduled to hold a key review of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet programme, as induction timelines continue to slip due to delays in GE F404 engine deliveries, radar integration, full weapons trials, and mandatory certifications.
Sources in the defence establishment said senior officials from the IAF and HAL will meet in New Delhi to assess the progress made on mandatory operational requirements, benchmarks considered non-negotiable for the aircraft to be accepted into service.
“The outcome of the review will be decisive. If the programme is sufficiently on track, the IAF is likely to take delivery of the first Mk1A within the next two to three months. If not, further slippages are likely,” the source said.
The mandatory requirements include completion of missile firing trials, integration of the radar with the electronic warfare suite, and validation of the full weapons package.
“The IAF is pushing for clarity on when the first aircraft, already over two years behind schedule, will finally be inducted,” the source added. “We have granted certain exemptions from contractual obligations, and if the mandatory requirements are met, we will take the fighter as soon as possible.” The delays come as the IAF grapples with a squadron shortfall, operating just 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5. Beyond delays in the supply of GE F404 engines from the US, the integration and certification of the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar have added to the timeline pressures.
If the programme is on track, the IAF is likely to take delivery of the first MKIA within
the next two to three months. In February, HAL declared five Mk1As ready for delivery, saying the aircraft had incorporated “major” contracted capabilities. But sources indicate that while the five aircraft described as “ready” incorporate key contracted capabilities, not all contracted capabilities have yet received certification, with certain mandatory clearances pending. This paper was the first to report that the Mk1A would miss its March delivery deadline owing to pending certifications and operational clearances.
Earlier, HAL had projected March as the delivery window during the Mk1A’s maiden flight in Nashik last October. Before that, it had indicated that the first two aircraft would be handed over by October. Separately, HAL is yet to close out the IAF’s original Tejas Mk-1 contract. Of the 40 aircraft ordered, comprising 16 IOC single-seaters, 16 FOC single-seaters, and eight twin-seat trainers, 38 have been delivered.
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