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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is anticipated to receive up to 12 domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by the close of 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced.
The state-owned aerospace and defence company shared this positive development on May 16 during an earnings call, signalling a significant boost for India's indigenous military aviation capabilities.
This progress follows the crucial commencement of engine deliveries from General Electric (GE) Aerospace, with the first advanced Tejas Mk1A aircraft expected to be ready within the next few months.
HAL management has expressed strong confidence in achieving this delivery schedule. This optimism stems from the successful resolution of critical supply chain challenges, most notably the extended delays in receiving the GE F404-IN20 engines.
"With the engines now arriving, we are on track to roll out the first LCA Mk1A in the coming months and aim to deliver up to 12 aircraft to the IAF by the end of this year," stated a senior HAL official.
To meet this ambitious target, HAL's Bengaluru-based production facility has significantly increased its operational capacity, incorporating insights gained from the earlier LCA Mk1 programme.
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1, featuring advanced avionics, radar systems, and enhanced combat capabilities.
The journey of the LCA Mk1A programme has previously been marked by considerable delays. These were primarily attributed to disruptions in the global supply chain, which particularly affected the procurement of the GE F404-IN20 engines due to worldwide logistical issues and production limitations at GE Aerospace.
The Indian Air Force has a substantial order for 240 LCA Mk1A jets, secured through two contracts valued at over ₹1.2 lakh crore. The initial plan projected the delivery of the first batch of 83 aircraft by 2029, but the scarcity of engines had cast doubt on adhering to these timelines.
However, the recent start of engine shipments from GE Aerospace represents a pivotal moment for the programme. As per their agreement with HAL, GE Aerospace is supplying the F404-IN20 engines, which provide 84 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust. This powerful engine allows the LCA Mk1A to attain a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 kilometres per hour) and operate with a range of around 1,500 kilometres.
HAL officials confirmed that GE has assured a consistent supply schedule, which is vital for maintaining the production pace. Furthermore, HAL is actively exploring possibilities for co-production and technology transfer with GE, aiming to bolster India's self-sufficiency in critical aircraft engine manufacturing, a key goal of the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector.
The accelerated delivery schedule for the LCA Mk1A jets arrives at a strategically important time for the IAF. The air force is currently managing a deficit in its fighter squadron strength, a concern amplified by ongoing geopolitical tensions with neighbouring Pakistan and China.
Recent aerial engagements between India and Pakistan in May 2025 further emphasized the urgent requirement for modern, indigenously developed combat aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A.
The IAF's existing fighter fleet includes Su-30 MKIs, Rafales, and ageing MiG-21s, and requires substantial reinforcement to ensure its capability to maintain air superiority in the region. The induction of Tejas Mk1A is a crucial step in the IAF's broader modernisation efforts.
