HAL to up Tejas output as MiG-21 nears exit

With the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) combat strength set to fall to its lowest in six decades following the retirement of the MiG-21, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is working with private-sector partners to accelerate production of its replacement the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A (Mk1A).

- BHASWAR KUMAR

HAL aims to raise output from the current ceiling of 24 aircraft a year to 30 by the end of 2027, according to a source at the defence public-sector undertaking (DPSU).

Between October and December, HAL plans to deliver the first batch of Tejas Mk1As to the IAF up to four jets, depending on steady supplies of F404-IN20 engines from US manufacturer GE Aerospace and the successful completion of weapon-firing trials, the source said. The original February 2024 target for starting deliveries was missed mainly due to delays in engine arrivals.

The IAF is at a critical juncture due to delayed inductions. The retirement of the last two MiG-21 Bison squadrons on September 26 will reduce its combat strength to 29 active fighter squadrons-the lowest in 60 years against a sanctioned strength of 42.

"The MiG-21's retirement will mark the end of a defining chapter for the IAF, as most senior pilots have flown the jet at some stage of their service," a defence source said. "The IAF is still awaiting Mk1A deliveries, which are expected to fill the gap," he added.