New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must place India’s national security requirements ahead of commercial interests and accelerate deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft to rebuild confidence within the Indian Air Force (IAF), retired Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury has said.
Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, Choudhury criticised the delays in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme, stressing that HAL needs to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and meet its contractual commitments.
The IAF had ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in February 2021, with initial deliveries originally expected by March 2024. A further contract for 97 aircraft was signed in September 2025, taking the total order to 180 jets.
The delays have raised concerns over the Air Force’s operational requirements amid a declining fighter squadron strength. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has previously emphasised the need to induct 36–40 fighter aircraft annually to maintain operational capability.
Choudhury also questioned the practice of delivering aircraft with certain capabilities pending integration, arguing that operational requirements must remain paramount. He added that HAL’s international export ambitions would be difficult to achieve without the confidence and endorsement of its domestic customer.
HAL has attributed production challenges partly to delays in receiving F404 engines from US-based GE Aerospace. However, reports have also highlighted outstanding integration work involving radar systems, electronic warfare equipment and weapon-control systems.
The immediate priority, according to the former Air Marshal, should be to resolve technical bottlenecks, complete aircraft acceptance requirements and establish a credible delivery schedule.
The Tejas Mk1A programme is considered a key test of India’s ability to manufacture advanced combat aircraft at the scale and pace required by its defence forces.
