US Engine Supply Delays Halt Tejas Mark-1A Production, Induction In Air Force

India’s ambitious Tejas Mark-1A fighter jet programme has encountered significant delays, primarily due to engine supply issues from the US-based General Electric (GE). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is now expected to deliver only two Tejas Mark-1A jets this fiscal year, a sharp decline from the planned 18, owing to disruptions in the supply chain with GE. This setback poses a serious threat to the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operational capabilities as it seeks to address critical gaps in its fighter jet fleet.

Supply Chain BottlenecksAccording to a report by Financial Express, GE is currently facing challenges within its supplier network, resulting in the availability of only two engines. This limitation restricts HAL to the production of just two jets by March 2025. The two engines are expected to be delivered to India, enabling HAL to fulfil this modest output.While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and HAL are prepared to ramp up production to 24 jets annually starting from the next fiscal year, this plan is contingent upon GE resolving its supply chain difficulties. Reports indicate that the US government, through National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, has assured India of GE’s commitment to stabilise the engine supply. Additionally, a recently signed Security of Supply Arrangement between India and the United States includes provisions for both nations to access each other's industrial resources in case of future supply disruptions. The US Department of Defence has emphasised that this arrangement aims to address unanticipated supply chain challenges to meet national security needs. Impact on IAF Combat ReadinessThe delay exacerbates an already pressing issue for the IAF, a shortage of fighter squadrons needed to counter potential threats from both Pakistan and China. Currently operating with 31 squadrons, the IAF falls short of the 42 squadrons deemed essential for effective defence. Each squadron typically comprises 16 to 18 aircraft, meaning this shortfall significantly impacts India’s defence posture.The Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced variant of the Mark-1 already in service, was intended to help close this gap. In February 2021, 83 jets were ordered under a contract valued at Rs 48,000 crore, with HAL expected to commence deliveries by March 2024. However, this timeline has been compromised due to the reliance on GE’s engines, leaving the IAF lacking critical assets.The urgency of the situation is heightened by the impending phase-out of aging Soviet-era jets. Over the next year, two squadrons of MiG-21 fighter jets are set to retire, with further phased retirements of Jaguar, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000 fleets scheduled to begin in 2029. Collectively, these fleets represent approximately 250 jets currently operating beyond their intended life cycles. The IAF’s strategic roadmap necessitates the indigenous production of around 400 new fighter jets by 2038 to fill the void left by these aging platforms and to ensure robust defence against regional threats. Future Production and OrdersIn a bid to strengthen its fleet, the MoD has recently requested HAL to submit a commercial proposal for an additional 97 Tejas Mark-1A jets, raising the total to 180 jets to be produced over the next decade. However, the success of this plan hinges on a consistent engine supply, underscoring the urgency of addressing the current disruption.The Tejas Mark-1A, featuring modern avionics, radar, and weapon systems, represents India’s commitment to indigenisation and reducing dependency on foreign defence imports. HAL’s production timeline is critical not only for the IAF’s operational capabilities but also for India’s broader defence strategy aimed at achieving self-reliance.