The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expressing serious concerns over the delays related to the delivery of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh openly stating his dissatisfaction during the recent Aero India 2025 exhibition held in Bengaluru.
According to reports, HAL had promised to deliver at least 11 Tejas Mk1A aircraft by the end of March. Yet, as the deadline approaches, none have been ready. This situation has drawn the ire of the IAF chief, who stated, "You have to alleviate (IAF worries) and make us more confident. At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL, which is a very wrong thing to happen." His remarks highlight the gravity of the situation as he emphasizes the urgency for HAL to improve its mission readiness.
During the video recorded at the air show, Singh noted, "I was promised...11 Tejas Mk1A would be ready. And not a single one is ready. HAL is just not in mission mode." His frustrations mirror the broader concerns within the IAF, which is currently grappling with diminishing squadron strength and rising operational pressures.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil responded to the criticisms, attributing the delays to longstanding technical issues rather than laziness. "The delays cannot be attributed to just, you know, laziness on part of the industry," he assured, asserting the organization's commitment to catching up with project timelines initiated back in 1984.
Sunil also emphasized: "The concern of the air chief is understandable as his squadron strength is reducing. We are building this...we will start delivering the aircraft." His commitment to future deliveries includes the expectation of one aircraft from HAL’s Nasik facility and two from Bengaluru by the end of the year.
The tensions surrounding HAL's delivery of the Tejas jets have been exacerbated by the agency’s historical operational challenges. The IAF chief’s comments echo past criticisms from previous IAF leaders. These delays can be partly attributed to sanctions placed on India following the 1998 nuclear tests, which imposed limitations on technology transfer and procurement for the defense sector.
Despite the hurdles, HAL has been optimistic, having seen significant growth with its order book exceeding Rs 1.3 lakh crore as of December 2024, buoyed by recent contracts for aircraft and engine procurements. The company is actively working to secure transfer of technology deals with American companies for future engine supplies, which are expected to be pivotal for the Tejas and India's fifth-generation aircraft programs.
Yet, as HAL navigates these complex challenges, the current dialogue about the Tejas Mk1A deliveries raises questions surrounding India's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. Singh's comments, combined with HAL’s reassurances, reflect not just organizational concerns but broader themes of national security and operational readiness.
With military modernization continuing to be a priority, the griping over HAL’s delivery timelines is unlikely to dissipate soon. The stakes are high, as the IAF depends critically on these fighters to maintain its edge. Without timely deliveries, the operational readiness of the force could be compromised at a time when regional security threats require heightened vigilance.
While HAL has pledged to accelerate its aircraft deliveries and resolve outstanding technical issues, Singh’s candid feedback signals the potential for more stringent oversight going forward. The path to recovery will require more than just promises; it will need to embody tangible results, reassuring the Air Force of HAL's capabilities to meet its operational needs.
The future of HAL and its relationship with the IAF seems to hinge on whether the organization can shift from its current state, described by Singh as not being “in mission mode.” The IAF chief has called for drastic changes to realign HAL’s operational tempo with the needs of the armed forces, which could very well dictate the course of future collaborations between the two entities.
For now, as HAL works through its commitments, all eyes will be on the upcoming months to see if they deliver on their promises or if the IAF will have more cause for concern. The repercussions of these delays not only affect military capabilities but also ripple through stock markets and public confidence in India’s defense procurement processes.