India’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), acknowledged the military’s frustration regarding delays in the delivery of fighter jets and assured that production would commence once General Electric provides the necessary engines.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, following the release of a video depicting the air force chief reprimanding HAL representatives, HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil stated, “The air chief’s concerns are valid, especially as his squadron numbers are diminishing.”
“We have committed to having all structures prepared,” Sunil added. “We are in the process of building these aircraft. Once the engines are received, we will begin the rollout.”
The Indian Air Force currently operates only 31 fighter squadrons, significantly below its target of 42, which has raised concerns among officials, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with neighboring countries China and Pakistan.
The Air Force has placed an order for 83 Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A from HAL, an upgraded version of the existing Mk-1, with initial deliveries scheduled to begin in February 2024 as part of a contract valued at 364.68 billion rupees (approximately $4.20 billion). Additionally, plans are in place to acquire 97 more Mk-1As, bringing the total number of “Tejas” aircraft to 220.
However, the delivery timeline has faced multiple setbacks, primarily due to delays in engine supply from GE, which is currently grappling with supply chain challenges. GE has not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters as of Wednesday. A video released by the defense news outlet National Defence gained significant attention on Tuesday, showing Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh addressing HAL officials at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru the day before.
Currently, I lack confidence in HAL, Singh stated while seated in the cockpit of a trainer aircraft, with HAL officials positioned beside him on a platform. “I was assured that by February, I would see 11 Mk1As ready, excluding the engines,” Singh remarked. “Not a single one is prepared. I am not impressed.”
Sanjeev Kumar, India’s defence production secretary, mentioned at the same air show that production lines at both HAL and GE have stabilized, indicating that the Indian company would be capable of delivering between 16 to 24 aircraft in the fiscal year beginning in April.
Additionally, this week, India’s close defence partner, Russia, proposed to manufacture its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57, in India for the Indian Air Force, by upgrading the production line for the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, of which 260 are currently in service in India.
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