IAF Expected to Receive 12 Tejas Mk1A Jets by Year-end as HAL's Bengaluru Facility Ramps Up and Long-awaited GE F404 Engines Now Flowing

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.

 

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[pgahlot]

As per old article, 8 of these are already in pipeline. So what's new

 

[Ammoman]

I will take bets that India will not receive 12 Jets by year end.

 

[Rainbow11]

The HAL announcement are always on future arrivals. They will never show finished production. Idiots. Lazy fellows. See China is reversing every technology on the earth and producing fast and cheaper on their land. These lazy PSUs are eating our taxes

 

[Andy13]

We all agree they can't do even 10.

 

[Anant]

Considering that GE has only 12 engine deliveries planned this year, 12 Tejas jets being delivered is highly questionable and overly optimistic. Firstly, the IAF will want some engines going into the spares' pool. Secondly, even if GE delivers 12 engines by December, any jet will still require a few months' of testing after the new engine is fitted in prior to delivery.

HAL cannot seriously be contemplating receiving an engine on, say, the 28th of December, and then fitting it into a Tejas and delivering said jet by the 31st.

 

[Bilash Singh]

It is sad to see that there is no Tejas activily inducted into the IAF now, although the project of making Tejas by HAL came into being long back. Thanks to the overwhelming inertia gripping the PSU, HAL. HAL wokeup from deep slumber only after operation Sindoor when urgent need to make our defence much stronger was felt by the government. If HAL is not up to the mark in its performance, it should be sold to some private sector ,preferably TATAs. Now when India is surrounded by too hostile neighbours , making defence forces must be at the top of the priority list. Lax attitude towards defence build-up can just not be affordable. Making defence capabilities at par with superpowers is mandatorily required for the survival of us Indians . There is no ther choice .

 

[gasturbine]

Aero engine is the only way to become super power nation around the world. With right policy and intention this can be achieved in next 10 years. 200 KN, Mach 3 Engine 6th Generation.

 

[Ashok Kandimalla]

The first GE 404 engines were delivered to HAL during mid-March. After that, have any Mk1As been delivered to IAF as our understanding was that everything was for 8 a/c but for the the engine.