The delay in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) came under focus during a high-level review meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently, with reports suggesting that the aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) could face penalties if delays continue.
Singh conducted a comprehensive review of major defence projects being executed by the state-run aerospace firm. The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota.
Citing people familiar with the discussions, news agency PTI said the defence minister asked HAL to set realistic timelines for its key programmes and emphasised the need for closer coordination with the IAF to resolve pending issues related to the Tejas Mk1A programme.
The delivery of the fighter jets has been delayed due to various factors. The IAF has reportedly conveyed that the aircraft manufactured so far do not meet certain technical specifications. Besides, deliveries were impacted by delays from GE Aerospace, which missed multiple deadlines for supplying the engines for the aircraft.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the defence ministry is examining the possibility of imposing penalties on HAL over the continued delays.
HAL has reportedly already received at least six GE Aerospace engines. A Times of India report quoted a source as saying that while delays in engine deliveries from GE were understandable, HAL should have delivered at least six aircraft to the IAF after receiving the engines.
"At least six engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace have already been received by HAL for Tejas. The structures of 18 aircraft are also ready with it. We can understand the delays in engine delivery on the part of GE, but that is a separate issue. However, as the six GE engines had already arrived, HAL should have delivered at least six aircraft to the IAF by now. Due to the delay, there could be liquidated damages (LD) being applied," the source was quoted as saying.
The source quoted in the report said HAL had been directed to meet its commitments and timelines.
HAL has completed production of at least 18 Tejas Mk1A aircraft. All of them are expected to be delivered this year, provided the required engines are available. Reports suggest that between 18 and 24 aircraft could be ready by the end of the year if HAL is able to address some of the remaining Air Staff Qualitative Requirement (ASQR) shortfalls.
The IAF is looking forward to inducting the aircraft as its fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
The defence ministry had signed a ₹48,000-crore contract with HAL in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters. In September last year, it followed this up with another ₹62,370-crore order for 97 additional aircraft.
