HAL to Deliver 8 Tejas Mk1A Jets in 24–36 Months; Bulk Production to Begin After 2029

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to begin deliveries of the first eight Tejas Mk1A fighter jets within the next 24–36 months, following the signing of its engine supply agreement with General Electric (GE). The initial rollout will be modest, with production set to accelerate significantly only after the first three years, according to internal delivery sequencing shared by government sources.

Slow Start Before Scale-Up

The delivery cycle for Tejas Mk1A will progress slowly at first as HAL works on stabilising its production line. A senior government official confirmed that the early output will remain limited to an eight-unit window spread across 24–36 months.

The reason for the delay lies partly in prolonged cost negotiations with GE. These discussions pushed back final approval of the engine supply contract, which forms a key part of the larger procurement plan for the Tejas Mk1A fleet.

“The first phase is naturally slower. That has pushed the early aircraft deliveries into an eight-unit window over 24–36 months,” the source said.

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The HAL–GE Engine Agreement

The engine agreement between HAL and GE, signed on November 7, covers the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines. These engines will power 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters, with the additional units earmarked for lifecycle replacement.

This contract is part of the ₹62,370-crore procurement package approved earlier this year. The F404-GE-IN20 engine is a proven afterburning turbofan and also powers the existing Tejas Mk1 fleet.

According to officials, the contracted quantity of 113 engines takes into account the shelf life and replacement requirements of combat aircraft engines. Additional orders will be placed in the future as the fleet expands.

Bulk Production From Year 4

The major production ramp-up for Tejas Mk1A is scheduled to begin after month 37 from the contract signing. Internal rollout charts outline a clear plan for three tranches of 24 aircraft each, which will be delivered in phases that begin after months 37, 49, and 61.

Once HAL’s production line reaches a steady rhythm, these 24-unit batches will roll out almost back-to-back, significantly increasing the output compared to the initial phase.

Following these tranches, a final batch of 12 aircraft is expected to be completed in the period covering months 73–84. This timeline corresponds to a delivery window stretching from late 2031 to late 2032.

Full Delivery Timeline: Seven Years

Based on the current sequencing, the entire order of 97 Tejas Mk1A jets will be delivered over approximately seven years from the date of the engine contract signing.

A senior official added that once the Mk1A deliveries are completed, HAL will be positioned to begin integrating production for additional Tejas variants.

About Tejas Mk1A

The Tejas Mk1A is an enhanced version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. Key upgrades include:

• A new avionics architecture

• Upgraded radar systems

• Mid-air refuelling capability

• Higher mission readiness levels

These improvements are aimed at strengthening the aircraft’s operational performance and reliability. The F404-GE-IN20 engine chosen for the Mk1A is already in service with previous Tejas variants, offering proven performance.

Key Points Explained

What does the GE Agreement cover?

• Signed on November 7, 2025

• Supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines

• Engines will power 97 Tejas Mk1A jets

• Extra units reserved for lifecycle replacement

Why Are Early Deliveries Slow?

• HAL is strengthening its production line

• Cost negotiations with GE delayed contract closure

• Initial deliveries limited to 8 jets in 24–36 months

When Bulk Production Begins?

• Large batches of 24 jets each begin after

  • Month 37

  • Month 49

  • Month 61

Final Delivery Window

• Last tranche of 12 jets in months 73–84

• Completion expected between late 2031 and late 2032

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