Challenges and Expectations High as IAF and HAL Enter Contract Negotiations for 97 New LCA Mk-1A Jets Following RFP Issuance

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have entered a critical phase of negotiations for the procurement of 97 additional Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A Tejas fighter jets.

This significant deal, estimated at Rs 65,848 crore (approximately $8.8 billion USD), follows the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) by the IAF and signifies a major step towards bolstering India's indigenous defence capabilities.

The LCA Mk-1A, an advanced variant of the Tejas, is poised to enhance the IAF's combat prowess with its homegrown technology. This procurement, which received the green light from the Defence Acquisition Council, underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defence production.

The ongoing Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) process involves detailed discussions on key aspects such as pricing, delivery schedules, and contractual terms. Both the IAF and HAL are working to finalize an agreement that meets the operational requirements of the air force while adhering to budgetary constraints.

This ambitious project faces several challenges. HAL will need to significantly ramp up its production capacity to meet the IAF's demand. This may involve expanding manufacturing facilities, optimizing production processes, or leveraging new technologies. Ensuring a smooth and timely supply of engines is also crucial, especially considering past issues with GE Aerospace's F-404 engines, which power the Tejas.

Furthermore, maintaining stringent quality assurance standards throughout the manufacturing process is paramount. The IAF has high expectations for the performance and reliability of the LCA Mk-1A, and HAL will need to demonstrate its ability to deliver aircraft that meet these standards.

Timely delivery is another critical factor. The IAF is keen to avoid delays that have plagued similar projects in the past. HAL's ability to adhere to the agreed-upon delivery schedule will be a key measure of the contract's success.

Ultimately, the success of this endeavor will depend not only on the timely delivery of the 97 LCA Mk-1A jets but also on their seamless integration into the IAF's existing fleet and their effectiveness in operational scenarios.

 

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[R. Singh]

Power Tejas-1A with made in India GE-414 engine or make 90KN engine jointly with Safran !

 

[sanket]

The IAF is showing full confidence in the Tejas MK1A, with its ability. It is a repeat order, which means the IAF is satisfied with the Tejas MK1A. GE needs to ramp up production of the GE-404 from the current rate of 16 to over 24 to 28 by the end of 2026 so that HAL can deliver at least 24 Tejas MK1A per year.

 

[DEVESH]

Where is the engine? Without engine, even 1 ofpreviously ordered 83 jets has not been delivered.And we are looking for 97 again.Hoping on false hopes.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

This is a deal that is needed to negotiate the MRFA and future deals and also for the minimum deterrence to keep Pakistan and China at bay.

We are not capable of building a 4.5-gen jet in 30-40 years and want to talk about 5th and 6th gen! It is a bit too much to expect from HAL.

Without a single jet engine that India has of its own, with GTRE working on it for decades with no success, it's difficult to think of 5th gen and 6th gen, which need advanced engines and new technology, materials, and electronics.

And we must first build and complete the Tejas project with 190 jets on order and then even order 5th and 6th-gen jets in India.

It's not like we are building a tractor or a car; it's a fighter jet with cutting-edge technology that we are talking about building.

We have no defence industry or partners in manufacturing capability or R&D that can really build a 5th or 6th-gen jet, with all material, components, and major indigenous systems.

All we have is HAL, which works with low wages and lower skills, technology, and tools, which has been license-manufacturing jets and engines, which is really only assembly of the parts sourced from the OEMs in Russia, and for western jets, we buy off the shelf.

This is the problem: we need a competitor for HAL, which builds jets from design, from material, but then the corruption in the country will not allow this.

They need international deals in USD, EUR, and UKP for corruption to make fortunes, in kickbacks to make disproportionate assets.

The deal is dependent on more F404 jets, which are delayed for years. And we worked on the Tejas jet and engine deals for years with no decision.

It's still WIP for decades now; we cannot just blame the engine OEM, who are also from countries with their own strategic goals.

 

[Man-ju]

Mark my words HAL will not deliver a single Tejas MK1A even by March 2025. Many of the tests and integration haven't been done yet and they are hiding behind GE engine delay excuse. Only 36 out of 40 MK1 have been delivered till date. Had HAL got any capabilities IAF would have given a go ahead to upgrade existing MK1 to MK1A standards. Matter of fact much of MK1A sub systems are not even close to completion.

 

[Sandeep]

While the Tejas MK1A is a 4.5th generation jet its small radar cross section makes it very difficult to detect due to the heavy use of composites. This can be improved even further by using radar absorbing paint on the jet as this will help.

However we need to quickly start manufacturing the Tejas MK1A even if we have engine delays. We also need to focus and quickly develop the Tejas MK1A and AMCA which are the main fighters that we need. The advanced technology on our AMCA will give us a 5.5th generation jet but we won’t start to receive and jets under production until 2035.

 

[Mohitm]

It's clearly not the time to sit back hand tight and relying on our national agencies like HAL to do something for the country when our neighbours have already gone superior with the technology. Believe it or not but our current situation is no less then a do or die situation.

 

[Mohitm]

As the leader of our nation, I urge Modi ji to take a decisive stand to address the critical need for advanced stealth fighter technology by encouraging private sector participation in this vital domain. It is imperative to foster collaboration and consensus among stakeholders to ensure that our country does not lag behind in defense capabilities. Despite being the world's third-largest economy, it is concerning that our paramilitary forces face challenges in modernization. Our PM's direct intervention in this matter can be a transformative step toward strengthening our national security and enhancing our global standing.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Since these aircraft will be manufactured post-2028-29, the feasibility of using E-200 or F414-1N should be considered to have a higher thrust engine manufactured in India with Indians trained by the company and make the engine compatible with MK-2. The K-10 Kaveri must now be started with full allocations together with the K-9 so that within 7 to 9 years, a 63-65kN - 90-95kN engine is available by 2032-35. Investments in the 4-engined flying test bed and high-altitude test facility with disinvestment in HAL/GTRE into a public-private enterprise to enable financially empowered CEOs to hire foreign talent for metallurgy, manufacturing processes, new-generation CNC machines, CMCs, carbon fibers, and TBCs must be acquired for matching world leaders.

 

[Sammy]

As the leader of our nation, I urge Modi ji to take a decisive stand to address the critical need for advanced stealth fighter technology by encouraging private sector participation in this vital domain. It is imperative to foster collaboration and consensus among stakeholders to ensure that our country does not lag behind in defense capabilities. Despite being the world's third-largest economy, it is concerning that our paramilitary forces face challenges in modernization. Our PM's direct intervention in this matter can be a transformative step toward strengthening our national security and enhancing our global standing.

Our divide and rule politics riddled with corruption