Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced a significant milestone in India's indigenous fighter jet program, with five TEJAS MK-1A aircraft now fully prepared for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This development comes after prolonged delays that have tested the patience of the defence establishment.

The company's Chairman and Managing Director revealed that critical firing and missile trials for these jets have been successfully completed. HAL plans to formally approach the IAF for acceptance and induction within the current financial year, which ends in March 2026.

The IAF has eagerly awaited these advanced light combat aircraft, as HAL has repeatedly missed earlier deadlines. Not a single TEJAS MK-1A unit had been delivered prior to this announcement, despite high expectations for bolstering India's air combat capabilities.

In September last year, the Ministry of Defence finalised a landmark ₹62,370 crore contract with HAL for 97 TEJAS MK-1A jets. This deal underscores the government's push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Beyond this contract, HAL holds two separate orders from the IAF totalling 180 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft. These jets are pivotal for modernising the IAF's ageing fleet, particularly as squadron strength dips below sanctioned levels amid regional security challenges.

The TEJAS MK-1A variant introduces substantial upgrades over the baseline Mk1, including an enhanced EL/M-2052 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, improved electronic warfare suite, and air-to-air refuelling capability. These features make it a formidable multi-role platform suited for both air superiority and ground attack missions.

Delays in the program have stemmed from supply chain issues, particularly with imported GE F404-IN20 engines, certification hurdles, and production scaling at HAL's Bengaluru facility. The readiness of these five jets signals that HAL has overcome key bottlenecks.

This batch represents the first production units rolling off the assembly line at a ramped-up rate. HAL aims to deliver 16-20 aircraft annually once full-rate production stabilises, potentially accelerating to meet the 180-unit order backlog.

For the IAF, inducting these jets will plug critical gaps left by the retirement of older MiG-21s and Mirage-2000s. The TEJAS MK-1A's indigenous avionics and weapons integration, such as the Astra beyond-visual-range missile, align seamlessly with India's broader defence ecosystem.

The announcement arrives at a geopolitically tense juncture, with ongoing border stand-offs along the Line of Actual Control and maritime frictions in the Indian Ocean region. Timely deliveries could enhance operational readiness against adversaries equipped with fifth-generation fighters.

HAL's progress also highlights the growing maturity of India's private defence sector ecosystem, with contributions from partners like TATA Advanced Systems and Bharat Electronics Limited in subsystems. This synergy is vital for sustaining long-term production.

Critics have pointed to HAL's historical inefficiencies, but recent investments in infrastructure— including a new final assembly line—promise to mitigate future slippage. The IAF's bulk order reflects confidence in the platform's potential despite teething issues.

As HAL engages the IAF for delivery protocols, negotiations on acceptance criteria, such as final weapon loads and software baselines, will be crucial. Successful induction of these five jets could pave the way for the remaining 92 under the ₹62,370 Crores deal.

India's pursuit of the TEJAS MK-1A exemplifies a strategic pivot from import dependence to home-grown capabilities. With exports to friendly nations under discussion, the program holds export potential, further validating taxpayer investments.

Based On News18 Report