Separate Tejas Jet Production Line by Private Sector "Economically Unviable," HAL to Ramp Up Production to 24 Jets Next Year

Tejas-with-Astra-1024x684.jpeg


Sources close to the matter have revealed that establishing a separate production line for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas by the private sector is not economically feasible.

This dismisses suggestions to involve a second company in manufacturing the fighter jet to expedite production. Instead, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will increase its production capacity to 24 jets annually, with significant involvement from the private sector in the existing program.

Currently, HAL is the lead integrator for the LCA Tejas, with over 270 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributing to the project. With orders for 180 LCA aircraft beyond the initial 40, HAL is establishing a third production line to meet the increased demand. This move is expected to boost production rates to 24 aircraft per year.

However, deliveries of the LCA-Mk1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) have faced delays, primarily due to issues with the supply of F-404 engines from General Electric. Sources indicate that only two engines are currently available, limiting HAL's ability to deliver more than two jets to the IAF this fiscal year.

Despite these challenges, integration of the Israeli radar on the LCA-Mk1A has been completed, and weapon integration is ongoing. While the integration process may take some time, the aircraft will be delivered to the IAF as planned.

In 2021, the Defence Ministry awarded HAL a ₹48,000 crore contract for 83 LCA-Mk1A fighters. The contract stipulated the delivery of three jets by February 2024, followed by 16 aircraft annually for the next five years. An additional order for 97 LCA-Mk1A jets is currently under consideration.

Meanwhile, the LCA-Mk2, a more advanced and larger variant of the Tejas, is also under development. Powered by the GE F-414 engine, the LCA-Mk2 is expected to make its first flight by October 2025, with the research and development phase concluding by December 2027. Deliveries are projected to commence in 2032, after the completion of the LCA-Mk1A order. The IAF has expressed interest in procuring around 120 LCA-Mk2 jets.

While HAL remains the primary manufacturer for the LCA program, the IAF has advocated for greater public-private partnerships to accelerate production. This approach aims to diversify production lines and enhance capacity to meet domestic requirements and potentially facilitate exports.

The government's decision to focus on HAL's production capacity, coupled with increased private sector involvement, signals a strategic approach towards strengthening India's indigenous fighter jet program. This move is expected to bolster the IAF's capabilities while fostering self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
 
For Tejas mk2 already make it a condition for separate private production line. We still have 5/7 years for Tejas mk2 production to start

Also order 300 Tejas mk2 and cancel MRFA

With HAL and a separate production line. We. Can manufacture 30/35 jets per year.

So 300 mk2 can be delivered in 10 years.
 
Separate production line is viable economically,you will get export orders to make profit. Another important issue to conclude is Kaveri engine with M-88 core. We could be able to ramp up production like China. India should have 3-4 separate production line for Tejas. Why should HAL officers have all the fun !
 
HAL is trying to prevent the production line for Tejas going private - simple reason being they will lose their monopoly and also they fear they will get exposed since a private vendor will obviously manufacture the same fighter aircraft faster, cheaper and with better quality.

Instead of welcoming the suggestion, HAL is now trying to put roadblocks to stifle any chances of private companies stepping in.

This shows the mindset of HAL management and the vested powers within - they don't want their monopoly and secrets to get exposed. This also explains why the French refused to transfer the technology for Rafaele production in India - they all know about the HAL capabilities & mindset


The government must privatize the Tejas MK1A manufacturing. While it will create jobs, it will also give confidence to potential customers regarding quality, punctuality and cost reduction wrt. Tejas MK1A production

If HAL is involved all the way to manufacture and export the aircraft, the country will definitely lose opportunities.

In the USA and other countries, private entities manufacture defence equipment - Lokheed Martin, Boeing etc.
 
It is pointless to develop a separate prodution line because GE does not have the capacity to produce that many engines per monht/year. Opening a 4th line for private production is just a fantasy of many. HAL already is working on 7-8 frames using old engines to help align every other equipment and getting them ready so that they can integrate the new engine as soon as it arrives. I think that is a very smart move. HAL should stop looking for export orders because they first have to meet the existing order from the IAF. France, with so many year's of experience n manufacturing is not able to deliver more than 10 jets a year due to supply chain issues. Inda/HAL is just starting into manufacturing 4 gen planes, we shouldn't be dreaming of a very high production rate because Western countries will deliberately reduce supply of certain parts to keep India from affecting their own export orders.
 
For Tejas mk2 already make it a condition for separate private production line. We still have 5/7 years for Tejas mk2 production to start

Also order 300 Tejas mk2 and cancel MRFA

With HAL and a separate production line. We. Can manufacture 30/35 jets per year.

So 300 mk2 can be delivered in 10 years.
Excuse me, but you speak like many other arm chair experts. No country has the production capacity to deliver almost 500 fighter jets (betweem Tejas Mk1 and MK2) in 10 years. Look at France who has so many years history of manufacturing high end jets and exporting them, they are not able to make more than 10-12 jets per year. Do you really think that HAL can actually deliver 24 jets per year while the Tejas is still dependent on imports of almost 40% of it's components? I very much doubt that.
 
Excuse me, but you speak like many other arm chair experts. No country has the production capacity to deliver almost 500 fighter jets (betweem Tejas Mk1 and MK2) in 10 years. Look at France who has so many years history of manufacturing high end jets and exporting them, they are not able to make more than 10-12 jets per year. Do you really think that HAL can actually deliver 24 jets per year while the Tejas is still dependent on imports of almost 40% of it's components? I very much doubt that.
No country lol..


US and China literally produce more than 100 jets per year
 

Forum statistics

Threads
3,218
Messages
31,146
Members
1,862
Latest member
fwhkx
Back
Top