'Just Not Confident': IAF Chief Slams HAL Over Tejas Jet Delays

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has openly criticised Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. His remarks, made during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, have reignited concerns about the progress of India's indigenous fighter jet program.

Unfulfilled Promises and Delayed Deliveries

Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed his frustration over HAL's failure to meet delivery deadlines. He pointed out that during his previous visit to HAL in February, the company had assured him that 11 Tejas Mk1A aircraft would be ready. However, by the time of the Aero India event, not a single aircraft had been delivered. "I was promised that when I come here in February, 11 Tejas Mk1As would be ready. And not a single one is ready," he stated.

His concerns were further exacerbated when HAL presented aircraft at Aero India 2025 that were labeled as Tejas Mk1A but, according to him, did not meet the specifications of the upgraded variant. "The aircraft that you flew, calling it Mk1A. It is not an Mk1A. It cannot happen just by change of one software or by looks. When the weapons come, and the capability comes, then it's a Mk1A," he clarified.

HAL's Response to the Delays

HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) D K Sunil acknowledged the delays but defended the company, citing technical and logistical challenges rather than negligence. He assured that HAL was working diligently to resolve these issues and aimed to deliver at least 11 Tejas Mk1A jets by the end of March 2025.

Sunil also highlighted the broader difficulties HAL has faced, including historical setbacks like sanctions imposed on India after the 1998 nuclear tests. Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic about the program's future, pointing to advancements in avionics, electronic warfare systems, and maneuverability in the Mk1A variant.

Impact on IAF's Fighter Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently grappling with a dwindling fighter fleet, down to just 31 operational squadrons-far below the sanctioned strength of 42. The timely induction of the Tejas Mk1A is critical to maintaining India's air combat capabilities, especially as older aircraft like the MiG-21 and Jaguar are gradually phased out.