Four Tejas Mk1A fighters flew at the Aero India 2025 show that kicked off in Bengaluru today signaling the homegrown fighter’s upgraded variant is headed into Indian Air Force service soon. Flown in a four-aircraft ‘Yodha’ formation, the delivery of 83 ordered aircraft begins next month with a second order for 97 aircraft in the pipeline.
The 83 aircraft are be delivered by 2029. The Tejas Mk1A has faced significant delays thanks to delays in the supply of General Electric (GE) F404 engines from the United States. These engines were scheduled for delivery starting in August 2023 with first Mk1A airframes entering service in early 2024, but due to supply chain disruptions, GE has now promised to begin deliveries in the next few weeks. The supply glitch has impacted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) production timeline, as it cannot meet its planned output without the required engines. As a result, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to receive only two Tejas Mk1A jets by the end of March 2025, far below the initially planned 18 aircraft for this fiscal year.
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of the Tejas Mk1, featuring enhanced avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar (currently an Israeli radar, to be replaced by the Uttam radar later) proved electronic warfare systems, and easier maintenance. Once the second order for 97 aircraft comes through, the Mk1A will become the most widely operated Tejas variant, with a fleet of around 180 aircraft.
HAL’s production capacity was expected to ramp up to 24 aircraft per year, but this depends on consistent engine supply. Currently, HAL can only produce aircraft at a slower rate, as the absence of engines limits its ability to complete final assembly. Reports indicate that while some spare engines are available, they are insufficient to maintain the planned production schedule. Those wrinkles should settle this year, with HAL finally receiving the engines from GE soon.
Despite these setbacks, the IAF remains committed to the Mk1A, recognizing its potential to strengthen India’s indigenous defense capabilities. However, if engine supply issues persist, further delays in full squadron deployment are likely, impacting the IAF’s modernisation plans.
Today’s flying formation of four Tejas Mk1A jets came a day after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited HAL’s Mk1A production line in Bengaluru. Upgrades on the Mk1A variant includes a new sensor suite, new more capable mission and digital flight control system, new weapons, net centric capability and the ability to fire India’s homegrown Astra beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, apart from precision guided weapons.
“Tejas Mk1A is the pride of the nation that will serve as the backbone of Indian Air Force for decades to come,” Singh said after his visit yesterday. The Indian Government released updated timelines on the Tejas Mk1A and other homegrown fighter programs.
