Tejas Mk-1A Set to Strengthen IAF as Long-Awaited Induction Nears

India’s Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet is moving closer to its long-awaited induction into the Indian Air Force, with the remaining technical issues expected to be resolved within the next one to two months, according to IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. The indigenous light combat aircraft has faced delays in entering service, but both the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) now expect the first deliveries to take place by the end of 2026. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K had earlier said that final work involving the aircraft’s radar and weapons integration was nearing completion.

Air Marshal Dixit said the earlier delay was largely linked to the availability of engines. HAL has now received F404-IN20 engines from US-based GE Aerospace and has installed them on aircraft undergoing testing. “There are some issues involving radar, and maybe some integration,” Dixit said, adding that the remaining technical points were close to being resolved.

The IAF has ordered a total of 180 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft under two contracts. The first agreement, signed in February 2021, covers 83 fighters, while a second contract for 97 aircraft was signed in September 2025. The combined value of the two orders is around ₹1.1 lakh crore. The first aircraft under the original contract was initially scheduled for delivery in March 2024. However, delays in receiving the GE F404-IN20 engines, along with certification and system-integration requirements, pushed back the delivery timeline. HAL has said it plans to deliver around 10 Mk-1A aircraft to the IAF during the 2026-27 financial year. The company currently has 27 Mk-1A airframes ready and has said its production facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik can eventually manufacture up to 24 aircraft annually.

The Mk-1A features several upgrades over earlier Tejas variants, including an active electronically scanned array radar, an electronic warfare suite, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capability and air-to-air refuelling capability. These additions are intended to expand the aircraft’s operational role within the IAF. The aircraft’s induction comes at an important time for the Air Force as it works to strengthen its fighter fleet. The Mk-1A is expected to become an important component of India’s indigenous combat-aircraft programme while adding newer platforms to the IAF inventory.

The second batch of 97 aircraft is expected to begin deliveries in 2027-28. The programme will therefore continue to expand the number of Tejas fighters available to the Air Force over the coming years. The focus remains on completing the remaining radar, weapons-integration and testing requirements. If the current timeline holds, the first Tejas Mk-1A fighters could finally enter IAF service before the end of the year.