Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to significantly increase production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by establishing a fourth assembly line at its Nashik plant. This move aims to accelerate production and compensate for lost time once General Electric (GE) begins delivering F-404 engines in March 2025.
The inability of the GE to deliver these engines on schedule has hampered HAL's production of the Tejas Mk-1, impacting the Indian Air Force's (IAF) efforts to maintain its fighter squadron strength. Sources indicate that GE currently has a backlog of 26 engines but has committed to delivering the first engine by March 2025 and subsequently ramping up production.
HAL currently operates two LCA assembly lines in Bengaluru, each with a capacity of producing eight aircraft annually. A third assembly line in Nashik, also with an annual capacity of eight aircraft, is expected to roll out its first Tejas LCA by March 2025.
The planned fourth assembly line in Nashik will further boost production capacity, but its establishment hinges on the consistent supply of engines from GE. HAL estimates it will need 1.5 years to set up this new facility.
This push for increased production comes at a critical time for the IAF, which is facing a decline in fighter squadron strength. Against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, the IAF currently operates 31, a number that is set to decrease further with the phasing out of the remaining MiG-21 squadrons.
The Defence Ministry signed a deal with HAL in 2021 for 83 LCA Tejas Mk-1 aircraft (73 fighters and 10 trainers) at a cost of Rs 45,696 crore. GE was contracted to supply 99 engines for these aircraft. While GE has cited "supply-side constraints" for the delays, Indian officials have engaged in high-level discussions with their US counterparts to resolve the issue.
Despite these challenges, HAL has managed to produce the first Tejas Mk-1A using reserve engines, with the second aircraft currently on the assembly line. The first Mk-1A is undergoing various trials and is expected to be showcased at Aero India 2025.
With the anticipated resumption of engine deliveries and the planned expansion of production capacity, HAL is poised to significantly ramp up Tejas LCA production. This will be crucial in bolstering the IAF's fighter fleet and ensuring India's air superiority in the region.
