IAF Chief Slams HAL Over Tejas Delays, Demands Urgent Reforms at Aero India 2025

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has expressed serious concerns over Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, stating that he has “no confidence” in the company due to persistent delays in delivering the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. Speaking at Aero India 2025, he criticized HAL’s slow progress, warning that these setbacks could impact the IAF’s combat readiness. The IAF’s order for 83 Mk-1A jets, initially expected by March 2024, remains undelivered due to delays in engine supply from GE Aerospace and incomplete certifications, with HAL now aiming for a March 2025 deadline for the first aircraft.

In response, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Chairman D.K. Sunil acknowledged the concerns and reassured that necessary steps were being taken to expedite production. HAL is also working on a major transfer of technology deal for the GE-414 engine and expects to finalize contracts for 97 additional Mk-1A jets and 156 Light Combat Helicopters within the next six months.

CONTENTS:

• IAF Chief Criticizes HAL Over Tejas Delays, Calls for Urgent Reforms
• ‘We’re Just Not Confident in HAL’: IAF Chief Expresses Concern

IAF Chief Criticizes HAL Over Tejas Delays, Calls for Urgent Reforms

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has expressed growing dissatisfaction with defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd over persistent delays in delivering and upgrading the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. In a video recorded on Monday at the start of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, Singh stated that his confidence in HAL was diminishing. “You need to ease our concerns and instill confidence. At the moment, I simply do not have confidence in HAL, which is a serious issue,” he remarked.

HAL, which has faced similar criticism from past IAF chiefs, attributed the delays to sanctions imposed on India following its 1998 nuclear tests. HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) D.K. Sunil assured that the company would meet its project deadlines and deliver at least 11 Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the IAF by the end of March. This is part of a larger contract for 83 aircraft. Insiders suggest that HAL views the Tejas as primarily the responsibility of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which designed and developed the fighter jet, with HAL’s involvement increasing after the Make-in-India push post-2014.

Addressing concerns over repeated criticism from the IAF chief, Sunil acknowledged the impact of past sanctions, explaining that India had to develop critical technologies from scratch. He emphasized that technical issues had been resolved and that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd was committed to meeting its commitments. “The air chief’s concerns are valid, as squadron strength is declining. We have reassured him that necessary structures will be in place,” he added.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is also negotiating with American firm GE for an 80% transfer of technology (ToT) deal for the GE-414 engine, which will power upgraded Tejas variants and potentially India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter currently in development.

Despite criticism, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has seen substantial growth, with its order book exceeding ₹1.3 lakh crore as of December 2024. Recent contracts include orders for 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets, 240 AL-31FP engines, and multiple helicopter orders for various defence forces.

‘We’re Just Not Confident in HAL’: IAF Chief Expresses Concern

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has raised serious concerns about Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s ability to meet critical defence requirements, citing persistent delays in the supply of new fighter jets. In a video recorded during Aero India 2025, Singh expressed his lack of confidence in the state-run aircraft manufacturer while speaking with HAL officials inside the cockpit of the locally built Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), now renamed Yashas following extensive modifications.

“I can only tell you our requirements and concerns. It is your responsibility to address them and boost our confidence. Right now, I simply do not have confidence in Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, and that is a major issue,” Singh remarked in the video, which was shared on YouTube. He criticized the company’s approach, saying everything seemed to be based on vague assurances like ‘ho jayega’ (it will happen) and ‘karenge’ (we will do it). However, he added that he would be “the happiest person” if HAL proved him wrong.

Delays in LCA Mk-1A Program Raise Concerns

The IAF is growing increasingly frustrated with the slow progress of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A program, which could impact the force’s combat readiness. The IAF placed an order for 83 Mk-1A fighters worth ₹48,000 crore in February 2021 and is considering an additional 97 aircraft at an estimated ₹67,000 crore. However, the first Mk-1A, initially scheduled for delivery by March 31, 2024, remains undelivered due to multiple setbacks, including delays in the supply of F404 engines from US-based GE Aerospace and pending key certifications.

At Aero India 2025, HAL showcased the LCA Mk-1A to reassure stakeholders of its progress. However, Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the status of the program. “I was promised that by February, I would see 11 Mk-1As ready—minus the engines. That was the commitment. But not a single one is ready,” he stated. He also dismissed the notion that an aircraft could be labeled Mk-1A merely through software upgrades, emphasizing that it would only be a true Mk-1A once new capabilities and weapon systems were integrated.

HAL has yet to conduct critical trials for the Mk-1A, including testing the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the locally developed electronic warfare suite, and the Israeli Elta radar. The company is now aiming to deliver the first aircraft by March 31, 2025, pending certification.

HAL Acknowledges Delays, Assures Action

During the event, Singh emphasized that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, being a domestic company, should operate in a “mission mode” rather than a fragmented approach. An HAL official responded by assuring the IAF chief that “no stone will be left unturned” to address his concerns.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil later stated that the IAF’s concerns were valid, given the declining strength of its fighter fleet. He confirmed that all Mk-1A structures would be completed and that once the engines were available, production would commence.

Sunil also highlighted upcoming major deals, including orders for 97 additional Mk-1A fighters and 156 Light Combat Helicopters for the IAF and Army, expected to be finalized within the next three to six months. He assured that the first batch of 83 Mk-1As would be delivered within three-and-a-half years, while the 97 additional aircraft would be completed by 2031.

The Broader Challenge: Delays and Self-Reliance

Defence expert Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd) noted that while the IAF’s frustration is understandable, India is prioritizing indigenous production over importing foreign jets. However, HAL must ensure timely delivery to maintain the country’s air combat capability.

The LCA is poised to become the backbone of the IAF, with plans to operate approximately 350 units across the Mk-1, Mk-1A, and Mk-2 variants in the coming years. Ensuring timely production and integration of advanced capabilities will be critical for the IAF as it modernizes its fleet.