India’s ambitious indigenous fighter jet programme is set to cross an important milestone, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) preparing to deliver the first two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A fighters in October, according to official sources. The development comes despite delays in the delivery of engines from the United States, which had earlier raised concerns about timelines. HAL, however, has managed to sustain progress on the programme and is now on track to meet the immediate delivery goals.
Sources revealed that a total of ten aircraft have already been built and tested, demonstrating that production has advanced well beyond the prototype stage. One of the aircraft manufactured at HAL’s Nashik facility is reportedly ready for handover, with delivery scheduled to take place next month. To further support the production line, two more F404 engines from the United States are expected to arrive within this month. In addition, HAL has already received ten F414 engines, which will power future variants, while a larger deal involving 113 F404 engines for an additional batch of 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft has been finalised, with cost negotiations completed. The only pending formality is the official signing of the contract, which sources indicate is likely to happen this month following clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The Tejas Mk-1A has also successfully completed its weapons integration trials, including live firing exercises of advanced missiles such as Astra and ASRAM, underlining its growing combat readiness. Looking ahead, the more advanced Tejas Mk-2 is slated for rollout in 2027, representing the next stage in the indigenous fighter development programme. Meanwhile, the current batch of 83 Mk-1A aircraft is now expected to be fully delivered by 2029, after a delay of roughly four quarters compared to the earlier schedule.
HAL officials have emphasised that the production programme remains on a strong footing despite occasional hurdles, including recent defect investigations in the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet operated by the Indian Coast Guard. That inquiry is expected to conclude within the month, allowing HAL to refocus fully on its fighter jet commitments.
Parallel to the Tejas programme, HAL is also working on the upgrade of 15 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, reinforcing its central role in India’s defence aerospace sector. The dual efforts — the Tejas Mk-1A deliveries and the Su-30 upgrade programme — highlight HAL’s expanding contribution to the country’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in advanced military aviation technology.
