HAL upbeat on meeting Tejas production targets in 2026

The first-production Tejas Mk 1A prepares for take-off from the HAL airport in Bangalore on 28 March 2023. (HAL)

Responding to criticism over the Tejas Mk 1A production rate, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has said it expects to complete 16 aircraft by the end of India's fiscal year (FY) 2025 in March 2026.

On 5 February, the state-owned aircraft manufacturer said in a post on X that five Tejas Mk 1A aircraft are “fully ready for delivery” and incorporate all major capabilities contracted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). A further nine Mk 1A aircraft are airworthy, while two more are under production, an HAL source told Janes .

Janes understands, however, that HAL has not yet incorporated minor, software-related updates sought by the IAF into the platform. Nevertheless, the first five aircraft are “fully ready” for acceptance by the IAF for induction trials, the HAL source said.

“The software updates can be added to the aircraft as per requirements over the course of the trial period,” the source continued, adding that HAL is currently incurring sustainment‑related costs as the aircraft remain idle in hangars.

The IAF has not officially commented on the aircraft's acceptance schedule. According to HAL, it is in “active discussions with the IAF to deliver the aircraft at the earliest”. The IAF spokesperson could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

The limited availability of the F404-GE-IN20 engine has meant the nine additional aircraft produced are not yet ready for delivery to the IAF, the HAL source said.

Engine deliveries

HAL sought 12 F404-GE-IN20 engines during FY 2025, which ends 31 March 2026. A GE spokesperson confirmed to Janes on 10 February