Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (June 8) reviewed the progress of major projects being undertaken by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Following the meeting, several key updates emerged regarding delays in the delivery of the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft, and India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Discussions were also held on the possibility of imposing penalties on HAL over delivery delays.
What is the latest update on Tejas Mk1A?
According to available information, the Defence Minister received a comprehensive report on the LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet during Monday's crucial meeting.
According to officials, six LCA Mk1A aircraft equipped with engines are already ready. If HAL successfully addresses the remaining Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQR) shortfalls, between 18 and 24 aircraft could be ready by the end of the year.
The Tejas Mk1A is powered by engines supplied by the US-based company General Electric (GE), and delays in engine deliveries have affected the induction schedule.
The government has directed HAL to fulfill its commitments and adhere to delivery timelines. Officials also indicated that delays could result in the imposition of liquidated damages (LD), underscoring the importance of timely execution.
HAL may face penalties
The issue of imposing penalties on HAL for delays in handing over the aircraft was also discussed during the review meeting.
Discussions concerning fifth-generation fighter jets, which are crucial for India, also took place during the meeting. Sources said discussions were held regarding Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet, which Moscow has been actively offering to India. Russia has reportedly proposed not only the aircraft but also a transfer of related technologies. However, it was emphasised that India's own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program remains a high priority.
Officials indicated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the AMCA program was issued around 10 days ago and remains open for responses for 60 days. Industry responses are expected by the end of July, after which the government will move forward with the next stages of the procurement and development process.
The AMCA remains India's flagship fifth-generation fighter aircraft initiative and is being treated as a strategic priority. Progress has also been made on the powerplant front. Technical negotiations for the GE F414 engines that will power the AMCA prototypes have been completed, while commercial negotiations are currently underway. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is leading discussions with General Electric on the engine deal.
Officials emphasised that the government's primary focus is to keep the AMCA program on track, describing it as India's chosen pathway toward acquiring an indigenous fifth-generation combat capability.
The twin-track progress on the AMCA and LCA Mk1A programs reflects India's broader effort to strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities while meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force.
How many Tejas Mk1A jets have been ordered?
A total of 83 jets have been ordered, including 73 fighters and 10 trainers. The Mk1A features improved avionics, radar, and weapon systems over the earlier variant. However, delivery delays have raised concerns within the defence establishment.
The Mk-1A is a significant upgrade over the earlier Tejas Mk-1 variant. Central to this evolution is its sensor suite, spearheaded by the Israeli-origin ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a marked improvement over the mechanically scanned radar in the Mk-1.
This AESA system enables simultaneous tracking of multiple targets at longer ranges, even in cluttered or jammed environments, crucial for air dominance in complex theatres like Ladakh or the northeast. It is backed by a revamped digital cockpit interface, Smart Multi-Function Displays (SMFDs), and a Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk-1A) that delivers better handling at high speeds and altitudes.
Together these features offer real-time situational awareness and rapid-response capability, putting the Mk-1A on par with frontline jets in the region, including Pakistan's Chinese-supported JF-17 Block III.
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