Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries May Further Delayed Due to Danish Export Ban on Engine Charge Amplifier, HAL Turns to Local Solution

The delivery of the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force is facing yet another setback, this time due to an export ban imposed by Denmark on a critical component, the engine charge amplifier. This delay compounds the existing hold-up caused by the non-delivery of engines by General Electric and necessary software iterations.

While the Ministry of Defence is actively engaging with Denmark to resolve the export ban, HAL has taken proactive measures by contracting a local firm to develop an indigenous alternative.

Sources indicate that while these amplifiers are present in the older Tejas models, their unavailability is hindering the fulfillment of the contract for the 83 LCA Mk-1As.

The Danish export restrictions are believed to be linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, further complicating the matter.

Despite this, HAL is optimistic about completing the indigenization process swiftly. Sources indicate that the Bengaluru-based firm has nearly finished developing the component, and HAL will soon conduct rigorous tests before proceeding to mass production.

In the interim, HAL aims to deliver an initial batch of aircraft equipped with some charge amplifiers acquired under a previous contract. While the engine charge amplifier is a relatively small component, its role in measuring and regulating engine temperature is crucial.

There's cautious optimism that the Danish government may reconsider the export ban or that the indigenization and testing process of amplifier will be expedited.

This latest setback adds to the existing delays in the Tejas Mk-1A program. Sources highlight that even if GE had delivered the engines on time, the aircraft delivery would still have been delayed due to other pending issues like Israeli software installation and this charge amplifier shortage.

Despite these challenges, HAL remains hopeful that the first Tejas Mk-1A can be delivered by the end of October or November, albeit significantly later than the original March deadline.

 

[Strongman]

The truth is that delivery delays are due to VERY VERY BAD Project planning handling and execution by HAL..........if a Big org like HAL could not see all this happening, then their top management/leaders needs to be removed.........oh they were. And these were the same guys that wanted to export Tejas..........common, get rid of your chulta hai babu attitude. Making a product is not that easy............and not expecting power play by the west is retarded.

 

[Man-ju]

So the ground is being set for further delays even if GE delivers engines. Trust me HAL is getting really good at this. Any professional organisations would have stocked up all the key components anticipating a big order and here we have HAL that will buy only if funds are released.

 

[desigandu]

LOL. Bharat can put whatever pressure they want. Denmark has one of the highest GDP per capita on earth. Is part of EU - so what pressure are we going to put.

They are part of NATO - normally such actions have a bigger power behind it, who coaxes Denmark to act thus delaying a key Indian program...

 

[Ajath Shri]

I don't think Denmark will object if the equipment are meant for HAL.
The ban is not Indian specific.
But the best option is manufacture the same indegenously.

 

[Samir Supnekar]

Every delay in the TEJAS program caused by foreign powers is a feather in the cap for the Indian Airforce. That is a huge opportunity to indigenise the internal components. Finally we will be free from foreign domination in the complex arena of fighter jet manufacturing!! The faster we junk foreign nuts & bolts the better.

 

[Abhishake kushwaha]

For India self reliance is important, and these are the problems when we try to become self reliant. But with time the Indian influence will increase and hence these type of problems would decrease

 

[vikrant rao]

Do Indians see a pattern emerging here?? It's always something or other... export bans, sanctions, tariffs,... The West is eff a Hotel California! Multiple sources for ess components from the West is like going begging bowl in hand every time someone and his uncle decides to levy a sanction... The next time there's a riot in Manipur or WB some nation or other that has some role to play in a component being sold by the US will ban exports or else.... Seems much better to source from one long-standing ally who is also proving their eqt outperforms NATO in a war broadcast live on TV!