The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing significant delays in the delivery of Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This delay raises concerns about the IAF’s combat readiness and operational capabilities.
Causes of Delays
Several factors have contributed to the delays:
- Supply-Chain Issues: The primary cause, affecting the delivery of GE Aerospace’s F404 engines.
- Technical Challenges: Ongoing technical difficulties in the production process.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: Delays caused by administrative and procedural barriers.
Importance of GE Aerospace’s F404 Engines
The F404 engines are crucial for the Tejas Mk-1A programme. A deal between HAL and GE Aerospace was anticipated to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in June 2023.
Revised Delivery Schedule
- Initial Schedule: HAL was to deliver the first batch of Tejas fighters by March 31, 2024.
- Revised Schedule: The first delivery is now expected in August 2024, a five-month delay attributed to supply-chain bottlenecks in the aerospace industry.
Contract Details
The IAF had contracted HAL to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters under a ₹48,000 crore deal. This was intended to bolster the IAF’s fleet and phase out the ageing MiG-21 fighters. Despite HAL’s assurances of delivering 16 aircraft in the financial year 2024-25, starting from November, the IAF remains sceptical due to ongoing supply issues.
Implications of Delays
Defence experts warn that prolonged delays could have serious implications for India’s air power:
- Operational Readiness: Delays affect the IAF’s readiness and capability to respond to threats.
- Strategic Plans: The delays risk the IAF’s long-term strategic plans, including reaching a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons by 2042.
Responses and Measures
- IAF’s Concerns: Senior IAF officers have expressed their concerns to HAL, urging expedited delivery.
- HAL’s Actions: HAL is working closely with GE Aerospace to resolve supply chain issues and expedite F404 engine deliveries. They are also exploring alternative measures, such as using reserve engines to keep the production line moving.
- Government Scrutiny: The government is under scrutiny to address the issues affecting the Tejas project and ensure timely fulfilment of the IAF’s requirements.
Alternative Options
To bridge the capability gap, the IAF is considering accelerating the procurement process for foreign-made fighter jets to meet immediate operational needs.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary cause of delays in the delivery of Tejas light combat aircraft?
- a) Bureaucratic hurdles
- b) Technical challenges
- c) Supply-chain issues
- d) Lack of funding
- Answer: c) Supply-chain issues
- When was HAL initially scheduled to deliver the first batch of Tejas fighters?
- a) November 2023
- b) March 31, 2024
- c) August 2024
- d) June 2023
- Answer: b) March 31, 2024
- What is the value of the contract between the IAF and HAL for the delivery of Tejas Mk-1A fighters?
- a) ₹50,000 crore
- b) ₹48,000 crore
- c) ₹42,000 crore
- d) ₹35,000 crore
- Answer: b) ₹48,000 crore
- How many Tejas Mk-1A fighters is HAL contracted to deliver to the IAF?
- a) 50
- b) 60
- c) 83
- d) 100
- Answer: c) 83
- What is the IAF’s long-term strategic plan in terms of fighter squadrons by 2042?
- a) 35 squadrons
- b) 50 squadrons
- c) 42 squadrons
- d) 60 squadrons
- Answer: c) 42 squadrons