HAL's Indigenous Content Goal for Tejas Mk1A Faces Challenges, MkII Offers Brighter Prospects

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that achieving its target of 70% indigenous content for the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft is proving to be more difficult than initially anticipated. Despite ongoing efforts, the current level of indigenous components stands at 65%.

The primary hurdle lies in the continued reliance on imported Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). These essential components are still under development within India, and the time required for their domestic production is expected to delay the production timeline of the Tejas Mk1A. This delay underscores the complexities involved in achieving complete self-reliance in advanced fighter jet manufacturing.

However, the outlook for the Tejas MkII is considerably more optimistic. With production set to commence at a higher baseline of 75% indigenous content, there's a strong possibility of this figure reaching 80% over time. This positive projection reflects India's growing expertise and capabilities in defence manufacturing.

The contrasting situations with the Tejas Mk1A and MkII exemplify the ongoing journey towards self-sufficiency in the Indian aerospace industry. While challenges persist, the Tejas program marks a significant milestone, paving the way for a future where India can produce more advanced and domestically sourced fighter jets.

 

[sanket]

India should develop Ejection Seat .

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

It is a continuous process. Why it should delay the delivery.

 

[Vipul Kumar]

India should develop Ejection Seat .

I read that tejas mk1a wont have indigenous ejection seat or refuelling probe but tejas mk2 will have all these imported subsystems indigenously developed and be used in it . And since drdo is completely working on tejas mk2 it will literally have more indigenous systems.

 

[Pramkumar]

its not contrasting situation. If IAF went with 60-80 LCA MK1 instead of 40 and production would have been faster than present rate then now LCA MK1A might seen the 80% indigenisation. IAF must work around kaveri engine, local ejection seat, Radone and technologies instead of imported one.

 

[Sudha]

its not contrasting situation. If IAF went with 60-80 LCA MK1 instead of 40 and production would have been faster than present rate then now LCA MK1A might seen the 80% indigenisation. IAF must work around kaveri engine, local ejection seat, Radone and technologies instead of imported one.

FYI IAF isn't a R&D organisation like DRDO. Tejasmk1 has limited utility when compared to mk1a. Your logic if IAF went for 60-80 mk1 the production would have been faster is astounding & illogical.

 

[sanket]

I read that tejas mk1a wont have indigenous ejection seat or refuelling probe but tejas mk2 will have all these imported subsystems indigenously developed and be used in it . And since drdo is completely working on tejas mk2 it will literally have more indigenous systems.

Retractable Inflight Refuelling probe ,Not only that Nose cone too may b developed Indigenously.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

They don't want to get sub systems developed in India. They can ask pvt companies to tie up with Indian institutions and come up with refuelling systems, ejection seats etc. List out the imported LRUs. Provide exact specifications and specify quality criteria. Assure orders (specify the quantity) within 2 years of development and acceptance(specify time line for acceptance). But babus won't like it.

 

[Akshat]

its not contrasting situation. If IAF went with 60-80 LCA MK1 instead of 40 and production would have been faster than present rate then now LCA MK1A might seen the 80% indigenisation. IAF must work around kaveri engine, local ejection seat, Radone and technologies instead of imported one.

IAF gave orders for Mk1a before all mk1 were delivered. And they are literally using the same line with most systems being common. And HAL has not yet delivered even the 40.

And how can IAF work around a failed engine and non existing ejection seat and radome?

 

[Rajsn]

They don't want to get sub systems developed in India. They can ask pvt companies to tie up with Indian institutions and come up with refuelling systems, ejection seats etc. List out the imported LRUs. Provide exact specifications and specify quality criteria. Assure orders (specify the quantity) within 2 years of development and acceptance(specify time line for acceptance). But babus won't like it.

That will reduce the excuses of delays

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

LRU won't be replaced by indigenous options until the private industry matures , and it takes time.. Noone is at fault here , Griphen has most of its LRUs imported from EU and USA.

With time Private defence industry will mature , we have only few big players in the industry and we can't expect them to deliver every product without proper R&D

 

[prabar]

If they can't make LRUs for mk1a and achieve only 65%
How can they achieve 80% for mk2

 

[SURESH RAO]

During 2014 to 2020, there were great efforts to sabotage HAL and NAL. This is the true cause for delay.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

They don't want to get sub systems developed in India. They can ask pvt companies to tie up with Indian institutions and come up with refuelling systems, ejection seats etc. List out the imported LRUs. Provide exact specifications and specify quality criteria. Assure orders (specify the quantity) within 2 years of development and acceptance(specify time line for acceptance). But babus won't like it.

Have you ever dealt with a DPSU for getting payments after fulfillment of an order?

There is a reason why private players aren't forthcoming to fulfil HAL's orders.

 

[Prit]

It is a continuous process. Why it should delay the delivery.

Few new indigenous line replaceable units were tested and certification process is ongoing as GE was also delayed with engines. Normally it's a continuous process.

 

[Prit]

If they can't make LRUs for mk1a and achieve only 65%
How can they achieve 80% for mk2

Engine will be 80% made in India along with assembly line. Several components of Mk1A will be continued there which has yet not been certified for Mk1A like Uttam radar, weapons like Rudram, Astra Mk2, etc

 

[Prit]

IAF gave orders for Mk1a before all mk1 were delivered. And they are literally using the same line with most systems being common. And HAL has not yet delivered even the 40.

And how can IAF work around a failed engine and non existing ejection seat and radome?

HAL is indigenizing couple of LRUs while GE engine is delayed. Testing and certification of new components take time.

 

[Sandeep]

Right now India should use the foreign parts temporarily as we need to manufacture more jets to address the shortage in our jet squadrons. At the same time we should get the private sector to develop an indigenous version of those parts and technology. In a few years the private sector will definitely be able to develop and manufacture it. In time the Indian content will comprehensively increase.

As for developing the Tejas MK2 the higher the Indian content the better it will be and save us money from expensive foreign parts, equipment and technology. So we should follow the same method of building our squadron strength first and then replace any foreign parts with an indigenous one.

 

[Dredd]

India should develop Ejection Seat .

easily available from russia, uk and usa.. we should focus on jet engine and electronics warfare.

 

[bonito]

Confusing. The delivery plans was not put with increasing indigenous LRU's over the period of time for the first order. So they should have placed import orders before hand and besides it's "over time" not from the first jet itself. How can this be excuse for delay for atleast first 20 jets ?