In good news for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Tejas light combat aircraft fleet is all set to take to the skies again next week, nearly 2 months after they were grounded following an accident at a frontline airbase.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director, told PTI that said all 34 Tejas jets are likely to resume flying from April 8 after a software-related issue identified in the aircraft was resolved.
“All the Tejas jets are set to fly again from next Wednesday,” he said.
Why Tejas LCA fleet was grounded?
The fleet was grounded in early February after one aircraft overshot the runway due to a suspected brake failure, causing damage to its airframe.
The IAF subsequently ordered a comprehensive review of the fleet.
MK1A delays persist
On delays in delivery of the Tejas Mark 1A variant, Sunil said HAL expects to deliver over 20 jets by December, with 6 potentially ready for induction soon as final testing of radar, avionics and missile firing systems is underway.
The delays have largely been attributed to GE Aerospace missing deadlines for supplying F-404 engines required for the aircraft.
Responding to concerns raised by the IAF over performance issues, Sunil said a project review committee meeting in May is expected to clear the jets for delivery.
GE Aerospace has so far delivered 5 engines, with the 6th expected shortly. HAL has also imposed penalties on the company under contractual liquidated damages provisions for the delays.
In February 2021, the defence ministry signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk 1A jets. In September last year, it placed another order worth Rs 62,370 crore for 97 additional aircraft.
Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions, capable of operating in high-threat environments.
The IAF is keen to induct the jets as its fighter squadron strength has declined to 29, well below the sanctioned level of 42.
