In the final stages there are negotiations on another 97 Tejas MK1A fighters, while interviews between the Ministry of Defense and GE Aerospace are taking place. File. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive its first light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas MK1A during the Nashic Ceremony, which means an important milestone in the Indian indigenous fighter program.
According to officials, two jets Tejas MK1A will be handed over to IAF in the presence of the Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh. It will also visit Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and will communicate with employees involved in production.
Delivery Hal Agreement 83 Tejas MK1A – originally scheduled for February 2024 – faced a delay mainly due to slow vans of General Electric (GE Aerospace). With only one or two engines per month, the hall now focuses on completing vans within four years if there are no other failures.
In the final stages there are negotiations on another 97 Tejas MK1A fighters, while interviews between the Ministry of Defense and GE Aerospace are taking place.
Defense analysts point out that IAF works with 29 squadrons, which is significantly under the sanctioned force of 42 squadrons and that it can take at least five years to bridge the gap in abilities. Even months after Sindoor surgery, no significant progress was made when replenishing exhausted fighter squadrons. Recently, two MiG-21 squadrons were discarded.
IAF chief Air Marshal AMar Preet Singh recently expressed his concern: “Hungry mouth is ready; we are waiting for food,” he said, stressed that the strength requires power – about 30 to 40 aircraft – produced every year.
Meanwhile, the IAF proposal to obtain 114 multi-roles of fighter aircraft (MRFA) continues in procedural stages. The Ministry of Defense is considering a plan to get “in India” Rafale Jets, and in the near future it is expected to be delivered at least 18 years.
French manufacturer Dassault Aviation recently confirmed that a total of 533 Rafale nozzles were ordered worldwide, with 233 still in production. The ascent has now increased to four aircraft per month.
In parallel, the government sanctioned more than 15,000 GBP Crore for the development of an advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA)-an Indian indigenous secret fifth-generation warrior who is expected to be interested in this decade by 2035 years.
Defense experts estimate that India will require at least 200-250 other fighters and a parallel original production line to ensure long-term operational readiness.
Published – 8 October 2025 9:35
