
31/08/2025
India's state-run aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is poised to deliver the first two Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by the end of September, ending a prolonged delay that has impacted the country's military modernization efforts. Defence Secretary RK Singh announced the development at the NDTV Defence Summit on Saturday, marking a critical milestone for India's indigenous fighter aircraft program.
The delivery comes after significant delays in the ₹48,000 crore contract signed in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets, which were originally scheduled to begin deliveries in March 2024. The delays have primarily stemmed from engine supply issues, with US defense contractor GE Aerospace struggling to deliver the F404-IN20 engines required to power the aircraft.