Tejas Mk1A delivery delayed despite 27 airframes ready, HAL CMD explains why

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has prepared 27 airframes of the advanced Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft out of the 180 ordered, but the delivery of the first batch to the Indian Air Force is being held up by a few pending issues, HAL chairman and managing director Ravi K told TOI.

Speaking to TOI at HAL’s fighter jet complex in Bengaluru, Ravi K said the company had received 10 engines from GE Aerospace and was close to completing work on the initial Tejas Mk1A aircraft. However, further testing is required for some systems, including the integration of the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar and missiles.

“We have received 10 engines from GE Aerospace. But there are one or two issues with the first batch of Tejas Mk1A which need further testing,” Ravi K said. He estimated that the programme was around 90-95% complete, with the remaining work involving the final stages of testing and integration.


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Tejas Mk1A delivery awaits final tests

According to the HAL CMD, missile integration is another area where testing remains. The aircraft needs to be flown with the missile fitted, but without firing it, to assess whether its structural and aerodynamic characteristics remain satisfactory.

Ravi K did not give a specific delivery date for the first batch of Tejas Mk1A aircraft, but said HAL was hopeful of completing the process by the end of this year.

The company is also progressing with the development of the more advanced Tejas Mk2. Ravi K described the aircraft as an offshoot of the Tejas Mk1A and said structural coupling work had reached an advanced stage.

Tejas Mk2 ground testing planned

HAL is planning to begin ground testing of the Tejas Mk2 by February, Ravi K said. The aircraft will use the F414 engine, which he described as a new engine for India and one that will require a number of tests before it can be used.

On the Su-30MK1, Ravi K denied that HAL was working on a programme called “Super Sukhoi”. He said the company was, however, involved in design work aimed at indigenising some systems used on existing Su-30MK1 fighter jets, including the radar. He added that the related project had not yet come to HAL.

HAL studying Russian SJ-100 production

HAL is also examining the technical requirements for licensed production of the Russian SJ-100 regional passenger aircraft, which has a capacity of 100 seats.

Ravi K said the company was currently studying the aircraft’s technical aspects, including the facilities and ecosystem needed for production. Technical discussions with the Russian side are continuing, after which HAL plans to move towards the commercial aspects of the proposal.

He said HAL would subsequently sign a contract covering technology transfer, but no timeline had been fixed because the proposal would require extensive discussions.

HAL building manned-unmanned teaming prototype

Ravi K also said HAL was entering the Combat Air Teaming System, an indigenous manned-unmanned teaming programme. The organisation is currently building a prototype for the programme.

On HAL’s absence from the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, Ravi K said participating entities were required to partner with another organisation. He said HAL as an organisation did not appear to have met the parameters for the programme and therefore was not shortlisted.

Company plans infrastructure modernisation

HAL is also investing in upgrading its facilities across its divisions, according to its CMD. Ravi K said the company planned to modernise its divisions and hangars while focusing its spending on core activities rather than non-core areas.

The company is additionally exploring the establishment of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in foreign countries. Ravi K said HAL was looking for overseas partners that could establish and operate MRO facilities in their respective countries.

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HAL set to complete first LCA Mk1 trainer contract

Ravi K said HAL was preparing to deliver the final two Tejas trainer aircraft to the IAF on Friday, completing the remaining deliveries under the 40-aircraft LCA Mk1 contract.

He described the completion of the first contract as an important milestone and said the trainer aircraft were essential for the IAF’s pilot training pipeline. He explained that pilots undergo simulator training before moving to the HTT-40 basic trainer and subsequently to the New Jet Trainer.

HAL is also scheduled to deliver HTT-40 trainer aircraft to the IAF and complete the long-pending project, Ravi K said.

In addition, the company is set to hand over advanced Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans. The helicopters have multiple roles, including offshore operations and medical evacuation.

Ravi K said HAL was expecting certification for the aircraft on Friday, describing the occasion as a significant moment for the organisation.