HAL Set to Deliver 6 Tejas Jets to IAF by March 2026 Amid Engine Supply Delays

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive at least 6 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by March 2026, according to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The delay in delivery of the LCA Mk-1A variant, originally scheduled earlier, has been a significant concern, with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, publicly highlighting the issue. HAL attributes the delay solely to the lag in engine supply from GE Aerospace.

Engine Supply Bottleneck Stalls Delivery Timeline

In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil revealed that the production of the aircraft is not the issue, stating that 6 aircraft have already been built and are lined up. 

“Unfortunately, in the case of LCA Mark 1A, we have built the aircraft. As of today, we have 6 aircraft lined up,” he said. The delay, he clarified, stems from GE Aerospace’s failure to deliver the required F404 engines. “The engine deliveries have not happened from GE Aerospace. They were to deliver the engines in 2023. To date, we have only one engine,” Sunil added.

He explained that the disruption was initially caused by production timeline setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic and compounded by the departure of several senior engineers at GE, leading to cascading supply chain issues. However, he assured that the technical bottlenecks have now been addressed, and GE Aerospace is expected to supply 12 engines within the current fiscal year.

Production Roadmap and Future Orders in Place

With the resolution of engine supply issues in sight, HAL aims to deliver the 6 ready jets to the IAF and plans to produce 16 Tejas aircraft next year, provided there is consistent engine availability. “I can assure you that as of today, 6 aircraft are ready. There is no let-up from our side. We are building those aircraft and getting them ready, and we will be in a position to deliver (by this fiscal),” Sunil emphasised.

In February 2021, the Indian defence ministry signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL to procure 83 LCA Mk-1A jets. Discussions are also underway for an additional 97 jets, estimated at ₹67,000 crore. The Tejas Mk-1A, a single-engine, multi-role fighter designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, is set to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. The IAF is looking to rebuild its squadron strength, which currently stands at 31, well below the sanctioned 42.

HAL Share Price Performance

As of 25 June 2025, 2:45 PM, HAL shares are trading at ₹4,789.00 per share, a decline of 2.00%.

Conclusion

Despite earlier delays in delivery, HAL has reaffirmed its commitment to supplying the Indian Air Force with the indigenous Tejas Mk-1A jets, contingent on GE Aerospace meeting its engine supply obligations. With production capabilities in place and demand increasing, the aircraft is poised to strengthen the IAF’s combat capabilities in the near future.

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