The future delivery trajectory, however, hinges directly on GE Aerospace’s ability to sustain this resurgent supply rhythm without slippage. HAL officials have confirmed that the company is aiming to hand over two MK-1As in October, paving the way for a total of 10 handovers in the 2025–26 financial year, provided upcoming trials are successful and the supply of engines continues at this pace.
The MK-1A program, sanctioned in February 2021 with an order of 83 aircraft at a cost of ₹48,000 crore, has been subject to delays linked to certification hurdles and the late delivery of F404 engines. GE had to restart its production line and re-establish its global supply chain to meet India’s order since the F404 series had already been phased down in favour of newer F414 production
.The delivery of two TEJAS MK-1As to the IAF in October 2025 is possible and being actively targeted by HAL. The combination of three aircraft already fitted with engines, the expected arrival of new engines to equip additional units, and near-term missile firings signal steady progress.
However, the deliveries are conditional on two critical factors: flawless completion of ASRAAM and Astra test firings for CEMILAC certification, and consistent F404-IN20 engine deliveries from GE Aerospace.
If both align without disruption, HAL will finally hand over the first MK-1As to the IAF—over a year later than planned, but still in time to signal momentum for ramped-up production in 2026.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
