HAL Announces Five Tejas-Mk1A Fighter Jets Ready for IAF Delivery
In a significant development for India's defence sector, Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirmed on Thursday that five LCA-Mk1A (Tejas-Mk1A) fighter aircraft are fully prepared for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The defence public sector undertaking issued a statement addressing concerns about potential delays, emphasizing that these five aircraft incorporate all major contracted capabilities in strict accordance with agreed specifications.
Nine Additional Jets Built, Awaiting Engine Supply
Beyond the five ready aircraft, HAL revealed that nine more Tejas-Mk1A jets have already been manufactured and successfully flown. However, these additional fighters are currently awaiting engines from American manufacturer General Electric (GE). The company stated that these nine aircraft will be prepared for handover once GE supplies the remaining engines, with HAL expressing confidence that future engine deliveries will align with their production schedule.
HAL has received five engines from GE so far, describing the current supply position as "positive." According to existing timelines, the defence PSU is expected to deliver the five ready fighters to the IAF by March 31. The company did not specify a revised timeline for the remaining aircraft but indicated that progress would largely depend on the steady arrival of engines from GE.
Enhanced Tejas-Mk1A Capabilities and IAF Orders
The Tejas-Mk1A represents an upgraded version of the original Tejas fighter, featuring substantial improvements in avionics, radar systems, and maintainability features. This advanced aircraft plays a crucial role in the IAF's modernization efforts, designed to replace ageing MiG-21 squadrons while simultaneously strengthening India's domestic manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector.
The Indian Air Force has placed substantial orders for the indigenous fighter jet. In February 2021, the IAF contracted 83 Tejas aircraft for Rs 46,898 crore. More recently, in September 2025, the air force placed an additional order for 97 Tejas fighters valued at Rs 66,500 crore. HAL has expressed confidence in meeting the delivery guidance projected for the current financial year despite the engine supply considerations.
Long-Term Engine Supply Agreement with GE
In November 2025, HAL entered into a comprehensive agreement with General Electric for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines along with a support package. This agreement specifically supports the execution of the 97 LCA-Mk1A contract with the Indian Air Force.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil previously told media outlets: "This is the most important contract we have signed. Engines have the most lead time. Unlike the previous time when we first ordered 40 and then the remaining in 2021, in between which the firm had stopped production, and there was also Covid..."
He further explained: "Keeping that in mind, we started negotiations even before we inked the 97 aircraft with IAF, and were able to close this deal so early. The supply under the new contract for 113 engines is expected to begin by 2027 and end by 2032. We don't anticipate many delays."
This strategic approach to engine procurement demonstrates HAL's proactive planning to avoid the production disruptions experienced during previous contracts. The defence manufacturer's emphasis on securing engine supply well in advance reflects lessons learned from past challenges, including pandemic-related disruptions and production halts.
