HAL to Deliver First Tejas Mk1A Batch by September 2026, Eyes Up to 24 Fighter Jets This Year
Improved GE engine supplies revive production as IAF prepares to induct first indigenous Tejas Mk1A squadron
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first batch of the indigenous Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by late August or early September 2026, marking a major milestone in India's indigenous fighter aircraft programme.
The deliveries will pave the way for the formation of the IAF's first operational squadron equipped with the upgraded Tejas Mk1A, significantly strengthening the country's air combat capabilities while advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
The programme had experienced delays due to disruptions in the global supply chain, particularly the late delivery of F404-IN20 turbofan engines from US-based GE Aerospace. Despite the engine shortage, HAL continued manufacturing activities and has already completed the assembly of nearly 30 Tejas Mk1A airframes.
These aircraft are currently awaiting engine integration, systems validation, and final flight testing before being handed over to the Indian Air Force.
The production outlook has improved considerably following the recent delivery of six GE F404 engines to HAL. The engines are being integrated into the first batch of aircraft scheduled for induction.
Industry sources indicate that GE Aerospace is expected to significantly increase engine deliveries after October, with nearly 20 additional F404 engines likely to reach India before the end of 2026. If the delivery schedule remains on track, HAL is expected to hand over 18 to 24 Tejas Mk1A fighters to the IAF this year.
Such a production pace would enable the Indian Air Force to operationalise its first Tejas Mk1A squadron and potentially begin equipping a second squadron before the end of the year.
The Tejas Mk1A represents a substantial advancement over the baseline Mk1 variant. The aircraft incorporates several new capabilities, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, air-to-air refuelling capability, improved maintainability, and compatibility with modern Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.
The Ministry of Defence signed a â‚ą48,000 crore contract with HAL in February 2021 for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, comprising both single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers. In addition, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 97 more Tejas Mk1A fighters, which will further expand the IAF's indigenous fighter fleet in the coming years.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has already completed pilot conversion training for personnel sufficient to operate at least two Tejas Mk1A squadrons. The training has been conducted at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu, home to the IAF's existing Tejas Mk1 units—the No. 45 Squadron "Flying Daggers" and No. 18 Squadron "Flying Bullets."
Under the IAF's force structure, each Tejas Mk1A squadron will comprise 20 aircraft, including 16 single-seat combat fighters and four twin-seat trainer aircraft.
With trained pilots, completed airframes, and engine deliveries now gathering pace, the Tejas Mk1A programme appears poised to enter its operational induction phase, representing a significant boost to India's indigenous aerospace industry and the Indian Air Force's long-term force modernisation plans.
