Amid concerns about Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delaying the delivery of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Air Force, the public sector defence manufacturer assured that it would soon begin deliveries to the Indian Air Force, saying the delay was not due to "laziness" but rather to technical difficulties, which have now been resolved. HAL’s comments came a day after the Air Force Chief said that he had "no confidence" in the aerospace company.

The Air Force continues to wait for the 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), ordered in 2021, which are crucial for upgrading the force's combat capability. A discussion on the delay and the Air Force's dissatisfaction over it came to the fore amid the biennial Aero India show in Bengaluru.

Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, while inspecting an aircraft at the show, reportedly told HAL officials that he had "no confidence" in the state-owned aerospace company.

Responding to the discussion, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil said that the delay is "not simply attributable to just, I would say, laziness on the part of the industry" and added that there have been technical issues, which have now been resolved. "The concern of the Air Chief is understandable," he said.

One aircraft from HAL’s Nasik facility and two from Bengaluru will be delivered to the Air Force by the end of this year. The complete delivery of all 83 LCA Mk1A jets, as per the existing contract with the Air Force, is expected to be completed within the next three and a half years, Sunil confirmed.

"We have now promised that we will have all the structures ready. We have conveyed this. We have had multiple meetings at different levels. We have conveyed this. We are building this. And once the engines are available, this will start rolling out. I think the concern is well understood. There is no doubt on that and as a team, all of us are focused...we will start delivering the aircraft," the HAL head said.

The Air Force, however, is still awaiting delivery of four out of the 40 Tejas Mk1 jets, the predecessor of the Mk1A, which were ordered in 2010.

Sunil pointed out that the United States is set to deliver 12 GE-404 engines to the company this year, and discussions are progressing on the advanced GE-414 engine deal, which is expected to play a critical role in India’s fighter jet programs. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US is likely to fast-track the deliveries.

Source: India Today