HAL says 5 Tejas LCA Mk1a fighter jets ready, IAF to decide delivery

New Delhi: Aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Thursday said five Tejas LCA Mk1A are “fully ready” and the company is talking to the Indian Air Force to determine the delivery schedule.

Nine additional aircraft that have been built and flown, are awaiting the supply of engines from the US major General Electric that have delivered five engines so far.

The update from the HAL comes at a time when the IAF, dismayed by the delay on the part of HAL in supplying the jets, plans a review of the combat readiness of the aircraft before deciding on the delivery schedule.

“HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications,” the company said in a statement.

“An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery.”

In 2021, HAL signed a contract with GE for 99 F404 engines to manufacture 83 LCA-Mk1A.

Subsequently in November 2025, it signed another agreement with GE for the supply of 113 additional engines to power another 97 Tejas aircraft contracted by the Defence Ministry.

After a delay of nearly two years, GE began to supply the engines for the first contract from last year.

The IAF, however, was not satisfied with progress in completing the aircraft even after receiving the engines.

The pending issues include getting all the certifications done and glitch free firing of Astra beyond visual range missiles. In the last firing, the weapon faced software complications.

In its statement, HAL said all design and development issues identified were being addressed in an expedited manner and it is in active discussions with the IAF to deliver the aircraft at the earliest.

“HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL’s delivery plans,” it adds.

The uncertainty on the delivery of LCA Mk1A comes at a time when the IAF lives with a depleting squadron number as the force currently operates only 29 squadrons - its lowest strength in decades.

The state-owned company that has been enjoying a virtual monopoly in aircraft manufacturing for decades has reportedly been left out on India’s quest to indigenously produce fifth generation advanced medium combat aircraft.