ARMY HUNTS DRONE CATCHER SYSTEMS

India's Tejas Mk1A fighter programme finds itself at a critical juncture, caught between persistent engine supply disruptions and emerging signs of recovery that could determine the pace of the Indian Air Force's modernisation.

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At the centre of the issue is the delayed delivery of F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace, the powerplant that drives the Tejas Mk1A. Despite a $716 million contract signed in 2021 for 99 engines, deliveries have fallen significantly short of schedule, creating a cascading bottleneck across the production line.

As of early 2026, only six engines have been handed over, well below projected targets. This shortfall has directly impacted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's manufacturing output, leaving around 20 fully assembled aircraft grounded due to the lack of engines. While a handful of jets are ready for delivery, the majority remain incomplete, unable to proceed to final testing or induction.

The consequences extend beyond manufacturing delays. The Indian Air Force, already grappling with declining squadron strength, relies heavily on the timely induction of the Tejas Mk1A to replace ageing platforms. Every delay in engine supply, therefore, translates into a strategic lag in force modernisation.