The HAL Tejas fleet, which consists of 34 jets, was grounded in February 2026 after a landing mishap. This incident raised concerns about the operational readiness of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, a crucial component of India’s defense capabilities.
On April 8, 2026, HAL chairman DK Sunil announced that all Tejas jets are set to fly again. This announcement comes as a relief to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which operates 32 to 34 HAL Tejas Mk1 fighter jets across two operational squadrons.
However, the Tejas programme has faced significant challenges, particularly regarding engine supply. HAL has imposed penalties on GE Aerospace for delays in delivering engines for the Tejas Mk-1A variant. The contract stipulates a total of 99 F404 engines, but as of now, only six have been delivered, with the first engine arriving in March 2025.
HAL expects another engine delivery by the end of April 2026, but the delays have raised questions about the timeline for the Tejas Mk-1A programme, which aims to deliver over 20 aircraft by December 2026. GE Aerospace has committed to delivering an additional 20 engines by the end of the year.
The Tejas programme has taken longer and cost more than initially anticipated. India has ordered a total of 180 Tejas Mk1A variants to replace aging MiG-21s, but the indigenous Kaveri engine was delinked from the Tejas airframe in 2008 due to its failure to deliver the required thrust.
The Tejas is designed to be compatible with modern missiles, laser-guided bombs, and helmet-mounted displays, enhancing its operational capabilities. Despite the setbacks, experts like Philip Rajkumar have defended the Tejas, stating, “In performance, in sheer performance, LCA Tejas is better.”
As the IAF prepares to resume operations with the Tejas fleet, the implications of these developments are significant for India’s defense strategy. The ability to operate a fully functional fleet of Tejas jets is crucial for maintaining air superiority in the region.
Overall, the situation remains dynamic as HAL and GE Aerospace work to resolve the engine supply issues and ensure the Tejas fleet is back in the air as scheduled.
