Tejas Mk1A Flies, But IAF's Last-Minute Modification Request Could Delay Delivery by 4 Months

The Tejas Mk1A program celebrated a major milestone with the successful maiden flight of the first aircraft (LA5033) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Bengaluru facility. However, a report published in "The Print" indicates potential delays in the aircraft's delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to the report, the initial delivery of LA5033 to the IAF may be delayed by up to four months. This delay is attributed to last-minute changes requested by the IAF, including software upgrades and minor structural modifications.

While HAL has not yet officially confirmed these details, sources indicate that LA5033 does feature various visible and subtle alterations. These modifications could require additional test flights beyond the typical 4-5 pre-induction trials performed before handing over a new aircraft to the IAF.

The IAF's requested changes demand careful validation through further testing to ensure the Tejas Mk1A's operational readiness. The potential delay in deliveries may be a result of this necessary testing process.

Despite the possible delay, the first flight of the Tejas Mk1A remains a significant achievement for the program. The additional testing, if confirmed, underscores a commitment to ensuring the aircraft's optimal performance and safety standards for IAF pilots.

In the coming weeks, HAL is likely to provide a more definitive timeline for deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A to the IAF.

 

[Akshat]

Dude we both know that HAL is lying, but unfortunately what's most prominently visible is that the change of requested by IAF after contract was finalized. Whats even more horrible is that government and people will accept it.

Again buddy, you are not getting the point. I am saying IAF never asked for any such changes and the whole notion that IAF asked for any changes is a lie. If HAL lies in its name, there is little IAF can do but come out with the truth. But it can’t, since it’s HAL.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

French sell rafale to themselves at half the cost of export. I know that selling to your own military at a discount is standard, but french take it to next level.

True!1 The cost of Rafale F4 for the French Air Force and the French Military is about 150-170mn per unit. while the whole world pays almost twice as much.

 

[Pad UwU]

Wadafaq I knew this would happen after those faqqing article about innovation of new specs from Tejas.... They would tell another delivery delaying tactics 😹😹😹

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Again buddy, you are not getting the point. I am saying IAF never asked for any such changes and the whole notion that IAF asked for any changes is a lie. If HAL lies in its name, there is little IAF can do but come out with the truth. But it can’t, since it’s HAL.

Right now its hazy as to who requested changes and who approved them? If its indeed true that IAF never requested them, and yet HAL went through and proposed them at last minute. Then we have a much bigger problem. Obviously somebody approved proposal from HAL or else they cant have gone ahead and the people responsible for proposing these last minute changes in HAL and those approving them in MoD and IAF need to be kicked out ASAP.