In January 2025, the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is getting ready to start crucial testing for the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (TEJAS MK-1A). The Israeli Elta radar system, the aircraft’s locally produced electronic warfare suite, and the domestic Astra beyond-visual-range missile will all be put to the test during these trials. After fulfilling all certification standards, HAL hopes to deliver the first fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 31, 2025.
It is expected that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the first few TEJAS MK-1A aircraft with reserve engines; these will subsequently be replaced with General Electric (GE) F404 engines. There have been numerous delays in the schedule for these deliveries, mostly because of problems with engine supply and
Top Indian officials visited America earlier this month to get a firsthand look at the 404 production line, which has been restarted at a facility near Boston, according to officials who asked not to be named. At the same time, HAL is in negotiations with US company GE Aerospace to speed up the delivery of the F404 engines for the new aircraft.
In order to speed up the supply of F404 engines, which are essential to the aircraft’s operation, HAL is currently negotiating with GE Aerospace. Although GE has not specified when the 99 engines that were ordered will be delivered, it has stated that production problems have been fixed and that first deliveries may start in March 2025. Until the F404s are ready, the first few TEJAS MK-1As may be delivered with backup engines.
HAL officials are hopeful that the March deadline will be met, despite certain delays that have been ascribed to software iterations and certification procedures. Among the last procedures before to delivery are the successful completion of software updates and missile launching tests.
With better radar capabilities, expanded weaponry, and updated avionics, the TEJAS Mk-1A is a major improvement over its predecessor.
