Significant production troubles with the TEJAS MK-1A planes, mainly related to General Electric (GE) engine supply, have caused the Indian Air Force (IAF) to postpone the phase-out of its MiG-21 fighter jets.
In July 2024, the IAF intended to form its first TEJAS MK-1A squadron at Nal Air Force Base. However, delays in engine supply have affected Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) ability to meet production timelines, pushing back the replacement of the aging MiG-21 fleet.
Currently, the IAF has two squadrons of MiG-21 Bisons, with a combined fleet of about 31 aircraft. Despite numerous upgrades over its service life, the MiG-21 has been criticized for its safety record, earning the nickname “Flying Coffin” due to over 400 accidents in several decades and significant
Since its introduction in the 1960s, the MiG-21 has been a mainstay of the IAF, contributing significantly to significant battles such as the Kargil conflict in 1999 and the India-Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971. But because of its longer operational lifespan than anticipated, a switch to newer aircraft is now required.
With cutting-edge technology including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, the TEJAS MK-1A is anticipated to replace the MiG-21s. The TEJAS MK-1A is expected to be delivered for the first time in February 2024, with plans to produce 83 units by 2027–2028.
There have been significant delays in the TEJAS MK-1A program, which is essential for the IAF to replace its aged aircraft. Initially, 18 TEJAS planes were anticipated to be delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The IAF already has a fleet shortage, which is made worse by the TEJAS production delay. To adequately handle possible threats from nearby nations like China and Pakistan, the IAF needs 42 squadrons, which it presently has 31. This problem is made more urgent by the fact that two squadrons of MiG-21s are set to retire over the course of the next year. These aircraft are a part of a larger group of aged aircraft that will be phased out progressively beginning in 2029.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked HAL to submit a proposal for an extra 97 TEJAS MK-1A planes in order to remedy these issues, potentially bringing the total orders to 180 over the course of the next ten years. However, fixing GE’s present engine supply problems is crucial to the plan’s success. The US
The IAF’s operational preparedness and its capacity to phase out older aircraft, like as the MiG-21, are being severely impacted by the production delay of the TEJAS jet. For India to retain its defense posture and become self-reliant in military aviation, these supply chain problems must be resolved.
