MoD Urges HAL to Deliver Tejas Mark-1A Jets by Next Year to Boost IAF Fleet

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has put the pressure on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to stick to the delivery timeline for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets, emphasizing the urgency of getting 18 of these advanced aircraft into the hands of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 2025.

HAL Playing Catch-Up​

Initially, HAL was expected to deliver these jets by March 2024, but due to supply chain disruptions and other production hurdles, the deadline has been pushed back.

The MoD is working closely with HAL to ensure that the revised deadline is met, as the IAF is eager to bolster its fleet with these indigenously-developed fighter jets.

The Nashik Factor​

HAL is banking on a new production line in Nashik, which is slated to be operational by November of this year, to ramp up production and meet the new deadline. The company is also working to resolve the supply chain issues that have hampered production.

Why is the Tejas Mark-1A So Important?​

The Tejas Mark-1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mark-1, already in service with the IAF. It boasts improved avionics, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities, making it a valuable asset in modern aerial combat.

The IAF is counting on these new jets to replace older aircraft that are being phased out and to enhance its overall combat readiness.

What This Means for India​

The successful and timely delivery of the Tejas Mark-1A jets would be a major win for both HAL and the Indian defense sector. It would demonstrate India's growing capabilities in the aerospace industry and its commitment to self-reliance in defense production.

The IAF, in turn, would gain a significant boost in its capabilities, further solidifying its position as a formidable force in the region.

What's Next?​

The MoD and HAL are working closely to ensure the smooth delivery of these crucial fighter jets. The coming months will be critical as HAL ramps up production and works to overcome any remaining challenges.

All eyes are on them as the March 2025 deadline approaches, with the hope that the Tejas Mark-1A will soon take its place as a key component of the Indian Air Force's fleet.

 

[Anant]

just like Dassault that makes 6/year.

The difference being that Dassault can, will, and is increasing manufacturing capabilities, while HAL is only increasing their samosa consumption capabilities.

 

[Anant]

We know the problem, but the question is what is the solution in the short term??? Or are there none!

There is no short-term solution. We are well past that. The medium-term solution is to bite the bullet and move ahead with MRFA. Long-term solution is to restructure, revamp, or privatized HAL.

 

[Pink Panther]

The difference being that Dassault can, will, and is increasing manufacturing capabilities, while HAL is only increasing their samosa consumption capabilities.

HAL also increased the capacity, but the difference is Dassault only does Rafale, where as HAL does many things like, Jaguar upgrade, MIG-29 UPG upgrade, and in the near future Making 12 new Supet SU-30’s and upgrading 200 SU-30’s and at the same time making brand new Dorniers and Tejas all at the same time including maintaining existing fighter jet fleet of both IAF and the IN all within their existing facilities that only have 24 bays, they also use some bays for their research work like Sitara trainers and others, so them making 5 Tejas/ year is really admirable and should be appreciated rather than being ridiculed, With ever demanding specs changes from IAF HAL making 6 Tejas/ year is really great compared to what Dassault does.,if MOD allocates more fund and increase the. capacity even more, HAL will produce more Tejas.

 

[Akshat]

to Dassault? and buy Rafale instead?

They won’t even buy HAL.

 

[Akshat]

not sure who will buy…yes getting them less of a PSU and more focused on revenue and profit will be a good start…culture must be changed based on the new realities…I have over 30 years of global experience transforming large companies - and it takes time, lots of money and above all leadership committed to the change…

Won’t work at all buddy. HAL is already profitable. But that’s not because of efficiency but the simple fact that government pays them inflated prices. And that’s true for most DPSUs. So a profit based outlook simply won’t matter. They will simply raise the price and government won’t have any other option but to pay that. So you need to sell it off and let a competitive industry develop.

 

[Athmanirbharata - II]

HAL also increased the capacity, but the difference is Dassault only does Rafale, where as HAL does many things like, Jaguar upgrade, MIG-29 UPG upgrade, and in the near future Making 12 new Supet SU-30’s and upgrading 200 SU-30’s and at the same time making brand new Dorniers and Tejas all at the same time including maintaining existing fighter jet fleet of both IAF and the IN all within their existing facilities that only have 24 bays, they also use some bays for their research work like Sitara trainers and others, so them making 5 Tejas/ year is really admirable and should be appreciated rather than being ridiculed, With ever demanding specs changes from IAF HAL making 6 Tejas/ year is really great compared to what Dassault does.,if MOD allocates more fund and increase the. capacity even more, HAL will produce more Tejas.

Yes, HAL is currently overwhelmed with various projects, we can’t really blame them for the delays, also IAF should be kept on leash, there is way too much interference from them which is another reason for the delays, , the best solution would be to create a separate division of HAL with 24 bays to manufacture Tejas exclusively and not other work, this way they can manufacture more Tejas, this facility can later on make Tejas MK2.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

This news is not correct. HAL has delivered two Tejas MK1A aircrafts which is undergoing tests with IAF in various places. At the same time HAL is also delivering one Trainer Tejas every month. They have already delivered eight trainers since Oct 2023. So till IAF does not finish all the test and confirm production, HAL can complete the delivery of trainers. Also once Nashik Division starts, the production rate of Tejas will increase drastically. Nashik Division has the history of very high production, like they complete the full upgrade of 21 Sukhoi Aircraft within just one year.

 

[Anurag]

9?

Believe me, the first delivery is where HAL's brain go to sleep. If they manage to deliver one by end of the year. Then on, the going will be much smoother. My rant is for the first delivery itself.

Reports suggest that IAF may get it's first Tejas Mk1a in July, let's wait really eager to see the beauty fly in the aur.

 

[Bhishma]

Why cant the private players like Tata,L&T,Mahindra etc. build it ? They are not going to do any research work. Just follow the templates and produce. They are very capable engineering houses. Why cant it be outsourced to them ?

 

[Sandeep]

India and HAL should give a license to the private sector companies to manufacture the new indigenous Tejas MK1A jets at a quicker and faster pace and it will help our aerospace industry grow stronger by not favouriting HAL.

 

[bonito]

All the HAL apologists were denying the original delivery schedule and were name calling me. Then they blamed IAF for apparent changes. Now the proof is out in the open. Lets see if all those who blamed IAF come out or not.

I said Sep 2025 or if another facility is open Jan 2025. But now it is clear Nashik facility is not open yet so Sep 2025 only. This year Mk1A will under re-certification so no production until clearance