With the Indian Air Force (IAF) facing a shrinking fighter squadron strength, the rapid induction of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet has become extremely critical to maintain the force's combat readiness.
However, due to various reasons, including the the delay in GE engine supply and supply-chain bottlenecks, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) hasn't been able to meet the deadlines to supply the jets to the force.
Now, according to a media report, the programme is facing further delay as a review meeting between the IAF and HAL, which was scheduled to take place between late April and early May, has been delayed, causing another hurdle in the way of induction.
The meeting is planned to assess progress on critical operational requirements, including integration of the AESA radar with the aircraft’s electronic warfare systems, completion of missile firing trials, and validation of the jet's full weapons package, which must be achieved before the aircraft receives clearance for induction into service. The meeting would also have finalised the updated delivery timelines for the programme.
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According to the report, sources said the review meeting itself depended on HAL briefing the IAF on progress in resolving pending technical issues. This itself is yet to happen.
“The review was expected to be decisive, with HAL expected to present progress on the mandatory operational requirements. With the meeting itself now delayed, further slippages are likely, including in the plan to induct the first fighter within the next two months,” TNIE quoted the source as saying.
According to sources, even as HAL had stated that it is ready to deliver five Mk-1A fighters, not all contracted capabilities incorporated into these jets have received the requisite certification.
HAL had informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence a few months ago that "we have five aircraft ready". "We have successfully completed the integration of the radar and DWU. We have also successfully completed the ASRAAM testing for air-to-air missiles and the ASTRA beyond visual range missile," HAL's CMD was quoted as telling the Committee.
