HAL Confirms Five LCA Mk1A Fighter Jets Ready for IAF Delivery, Dismisses Delay Speculation
In a significant development for India's defense sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has firmly dismissed speculation about possible delays in delivering the first batch of indigenous LCA Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF). On Thursday, HAL announced that five LCA Mk1A aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating all major contracted capabilities as per agreed specifications.
Additional Aircraft and Engine Supply Status
HAL further revealed that an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. These aircraft will be made ready for delivery upon receipt of engines from General Electric, a US-based company. The company stated that all design and development issues identified are being addressed in an expedited manner, and HAL is in active discussions with IAF to deliver the aircraft at the earliest.
Regarding engine supply, HAL has received five engines from General Electric to date. The company noted that the supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL's delivery plans. HAL assured stakeholders that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year.
Strategic Programs and Production Timeline
Beyond the LCA Mk1A program, HAL is simultaneously advancing multiple strategic initiatives. These include the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), Tejas LCA Mk2, and Combat Air Teaming System (CATS). All of these programs are expected to enter production after 2032, showcasing HAL's long-term commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing.
Contract Details and Indigenous Content
HAL received its first contract from IAF for 83 LCA Mk1A jets in February 2021, comprising 73 fighters and 10 trainers. A follow-on contract was secured in September 2025 for 97 additional LCA Mk1A aircraft, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, at a cost exceeding Rs 62,370 crore. Delivery of these aircraft is scheduled to commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a six-year period.
The LCA Mk1A aircraft will feature an indigenous content of over 64%, with 67 additional items incorporated. In total, IAF has ordered 180 of these aircraft across two tranches.
Production Capacity and Fleet Delivery
Some aircraft were initially slated for delivery last year, but IAF insisted that HAL provide them in a fully operational configuration. On October 17 last year, HAL conducted the first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype from its Nashik facility. Currently, HAL's fighter aircraft production capacity stands at 24 aircraft per year. At this rate, fulfilling the 180-aircraft Tejas Mk1A order would take over seven years, with IAF expected to receive the complete fleet no earlier than around 2033.
In addition to the 180 Mk1A jets, IAF had previously acquired 40 LCA Mk1 aircraft in IOC/FOC variants. This brings the total number of LCA-type aircraft contracted or ordered across all variants to 220, underscoring the strategic importance of this indigenous fighter program for India's air defense capabilities.
