Oct 2026 : Ahead of the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, while reiterating the IAF’s commitment to India’s indigenous aerospace programmes.
Addressing the media, Singh said delays were not uncommon in global defence manufacturing, but acknowledged that the current hold-up had gone on for an unusually long period. His remarks came amid questions over whether financial penalties should be imposed on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for missing delivery schedules.
“It happens that you plan something, but things get delayed. But this time, the delay has been much,” Singh said, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule has been affected primarily by disruptions in the supply chain, particularly delays in the availability of General Electric F404 engines from the United States. The engine delays have consequently affected HAL’s ability to complete and deliver the aircraft according to the planned timeline.
The prolonged delay has assumed greater significance for the IAF, which is operating with 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42. The shortfall has placed additional importance on the timely induction of new combat aircraft to strengthen the force’s operational capabilities.
Singh indicated that the IAF is increasingly looking towards the Tejas Mk2 as an important platform to address emerging capability gaps. The heavier and more capable Mk2 is part of the broader Light Combat Aircraft programme and is expected to complement the Mk1A in the IAF’s future fighter fleet.
Against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, the Air Chief also underlined the importance of greater self-reliance in defence production. He said dependence on foreign suppliers could expose India to significant disruptions when global supply chains are affected.
Despite the challenges surrounding the Mk1A programme, Singh reaffirmed the IAF’s institutional support for India’s indigenous aviation projects. He said the force remained committed to the wider LCA programme, including both the Mk1A and Mk2 variants.
The IAF is also supporting the development of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is intended to form an important part of India’s future combat aviation capability.
Singh’s comments underline the urgency of strengthening domestic defence manufacturing while ensuring timely delivery of aircraft needed to address the IAF’s existing fighter squadron shortfall.
