HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kumar has confirmed that deliveries of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS MK-1A to the Indian Air Force are facing setbacks due to software integration challenges.

He explained that extensive software modifications are currently underway during testing stages and emphasised that the aircraft must be fully ready before deliveries can commence.

He assured that HAL is working hard to resolve outstanding issues and will begin deliveries once the problems are addressed, though he declined to commit to a firm timeline, citing the complexity of the software changes involved.

On the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 basic trainer aircraft, Kumar stated that HAL is set to deliver the entire order of 70 aircraft to the Air Force within the next four to five years.

He noted that HAL is outsourcing non-core manufacturing processes to private industry players and decentralising production across three divisions to prevent bottlenecks. Intensive supply-chain coordination with domestic sub-suppliers is also being implemented to ensure timely delivery.

In a significant development, Kumar revealed that HAL has initiated fabrication of the prototype for the CATS Warrior autonomous drone, part of India’s futuristic unmanned combat capabilities. He said prototypes are now being built and certification is planned for next year, marking accelerated progress on the loyal-wingman unmanned platform.

With the Air Force exploring options to replace its ageing fleet of British-origin Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, Kumar indicated that HAL will pitch an indigenous fighter-trainer derivative.

He highlighted the ongoing development of the TEJAS LIFT program, expressing confidence that HAL will be able to convince customers of its capabilities.

On civil aerospace orders, Kumar confirmed that HAL is executing a contract for 10 Dhruv Next Generation helicopters placed by Pawan Hans Limited. Four helicopters are being delivered immediately, another four by December, and the remaining two in the next financial year.

The DHRUV-NG is India’s first indigenously produced civil helicopter, designed for multiple roles including VIP transport, passenger and utility use, air ambulance, offshore operations, law enforcement and disaster relief.

It has a maximum take-off weight of 5.5 tons, a speed of 285 km/h, a range of 630 km with reserve, and can carry up to 14 passengers. Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, it meets AS 4 requirements for offshore operations and offers lifecycle support through manufacturing, maintenance and upgrades.

HAL is also set to hand over frontline trainer aircraft to the Air Force and next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu will attend the handover ceremony in Bangalore.

Under this program, the Air Force will receive two Tejas Final Operational Clearance Trainer aircraft and the HTT-40 Basic Trainer aircraft, while Pawan Hans will receive four DHRUV-NG helicopters. HAL said the handover strengthens India’s self-reliance in military aviation, civil rotary wing aviation and pilot training.

The TEJAS FOC Trainer is a lightweight, multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft built to support Air Force training needs while retaining fighter capability. It features relaxed static stability, a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control system, carefree manoeuvring, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics and advanced composite materials.

A contract for 16 TEJAS fighters and four Twin Seaters in FOC configuration was placed in 2010. All 16 fighters were delivered between 2022 and 2023, and HAL began delivering Twin Seaters in 2024–25.

The final two aircraft, SPT-7 and SPT-8, incorporate enhancements including improved radar performance, autopilot handling, fuel system improvements, Software Defined Radio for secure communications and an air-to-air refuelling probe.

Their delivery completes the four Twin Seaters under the FOC contract. HAL is also developing Twin Seaters under larger contracts, with plans to deliver 29 MK-1A Twin Seaters by 2033–34, equipped with AESA radar, electronic warfare suites and additional weapons including ASRAAM and BVR systems.

The HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft, designed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre, is indigenously developed to meet primary training requirements of the Defence Services. It made its first flight on May 31, 2016 and has since completed extensive development, evaluation and validation trials.

It holds a Restricted Military Type Certificate issued by CEMILAC and has an indigenous content of about 57 per cent. Powered by a 1,100 SHP turboprop engine, it has a maximum speed of 300 knots and a service ceiling of 6,000 metres.

It is designed to support basic training, aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close formation flying. The Ministry of Defence has placed a contract for 70 HTT-40 aircraft, and the current handover marks the start of deliveries under that contract.

ANI