After years of delays, India’s indigenous fighter jet programme may finally deliver. According to an exclusive report by ThePrint, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is likely to hand over the first Tejas Mk1A fighters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in January 2027, possibly ahead of Aero India 2027. One or two jets could be delivered in the first batch.
The Mk1A was supposed to start reaching the IAF in February 2024. The main reason for the delay has been the late supply of F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace, along with software and radar integration issues. In this Election Guru explainer we cover the delivery timeline, the orders, the engine problem, what the Mk1A offers, the IAF’s squadron shortage and why this matters for India’s defence.
Tejas Mk1A Delivery at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Tejas Mk1A, light combat aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Engine | GE F404-IN20 |
| First order | 83 jets, contract signed February 2021 |
| Second order | 97 jets (68 single-seat + 29 twin-seat trainers), September 2025 |
| Total ordered | 180 Mk1A |
| Original delivery start | February 2024 (missed) |
| Expected first handover | January 2027 (reported, not officially confirmed) |
| Main cause of delay | GE engine supply; radar software integration |
Why Tejas Mk1A Was Delayed
HAL signed a deal in 2021 for 99 F404 engines, with deliveries meant to begin in 2023. The first engine arrived only in March 2025. GE had shut down the F404 production line after 2016 and faced supply chain problems restarting it. Reports said GE had shipped 14 engines to HAL by September 2026, and that it missed a schedule to deliver five engines in the first quarter of 2026. In late 2025, HAL signed a fresh deal for 113 more F404 engines, to be delivered between 2027 and 2032.
A source quoted by The Week said two requirements linked to functions of the Israeli-origin radar remain pending, but “the software and integration issues are being fixed.”
What Tejas Mk1A Brings
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Radar | AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar |
| Missiles | Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles |
| Electronic warfare | Advanced EW suite for self-protection |
| Range | Air-to-air refuelling capability |
| Improvements over Mk1 | Better avionics, maintainability and weapons |
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said: “The Tejas Mk1A and II, the AMCA, Indian sensors and Indian weapons are our highest priority.”
The IAF’s Squadron Shortage
The IAF is sanctioned 42 fighter squadrons but has been operating with far fewer, around 29-31 in recent years. The last MiG-21 squadrons retired in September 2025, after more than six decades of service, widening the gap. Older jets like the Jaguar and Mirage 2000 are also nearing the end of their lives. That is why each delay in the Tejas Mk1A programme is a serious concern for the IAF.
| Aircraft | Status |
|---|---|
| MiG-21 | Retired in September 2025 |
| MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 | Ageing; upgrades and phase-out planned |
| Su-30MKI | Backbone of the fleet |
| Rafale | 36 in service; more planned |
| Tejas Mk1 | Two squadrons in service |
| Tejas Mk1A | 180 ordered; deliveries awaited |
History of the Tejas Programme
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Light Combat Aircraft programme sanctioned |
| 2001 | First flight of Tejas technology demonstrator |
| 2016 | First Tejas squadron (No. 45 “Flying Daggers”) formed |
| 2020 | Second squadron (No. 18 “Flying Bullets”) with FOC jets |
| 2021 | 83 Mk1A ordered |
| 2024 | First Mk1A flight; delivery deadline missed |
| 2025 | First GE engine arrives; 97 more Mk1A ordered |
| 2027 | First Mk1A deliveries expected |
Beyond Mk1A: Tejas Mk2 and AMCA
India is also developing the Tejas Mk2, a larger and more capable medium-weight fighter, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter. The Mk2 is planned to use the more powerful GE F414 engine, which India hopes to produce locally with GE. The AMCA is meant to give the IAF a stealth fighter in the next decade. The Mk1A’s delays have raised questions about whether these timelines are realistic.
Also Read: India-EU FTA 2026: Signing Date, Benefits and What Changes
Why This Matters
- National security: India faces potential two-front threats and needs more fighter squadrons
- Self-reliance: Tejas is the flagship of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence
- Exports: successful delivery could boost export prospects for Tejas
- Industry: hundreds of Indian suppliers are part of the Tejas supply chain
- Lessons: dependence on foreign engines remains a key weakness
What to Watch
| Watch For | Why |
|---|---|
| Official HAL / MoD confirmation | January 2027 date is still a report |
| GE engine deliveries | Pace of supply decides how fast jets reach the IAF |
| Radar software fixes | Pending requirements must be cleared |
| Aero India 2027 | Likely showcase for the Mk1A |
What Is Aero India?
Aero India is Asia’s largest air show, held every two years at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, usually in February. It brings together global aerospace companies, defence ministers and the armed forces, and is a key platform for India to showcase indigenous aircraft like the Tejas. Handing over the first Mk1A jets before the 2027 edition would give HAL and the government a strong showcase for “Make in India” in defence.
HAL’s Production Plans
HAL has set up additional production lines for the Tejas Mk1A in Bengaluru and Nashik to raise output once engines arrive on time. With 180 jets ordered, the company needs to deliver many aircraft a year for the next several years. Reports say around 30 Mk1A airframes have been built and flight-tested but await engines and final acceptance. If GE supplies stabilise, HAL hopes to speed up deliveries quickly.
| Production Line | Location |
|---|---|
| Line 1 and 2 | Bengaluru |
| Line 3 | Nashik |
India’s Fighter Fleet: Present and Future
To rebuild squadron strength, the IAF is counting on a mix of indigenous and imported aircraft. The Tejas Mk1A will replace older MiG-21s and later MiG-29s and Jaguars. The Tejas Mk2 is meant to replace Mirage 2000s and Jaguars in the next decade. India is also pursuing a deal for more multi-role fighters, while the AMCA is planned as a long-term fifth-generation platform. Each programme depends on timely engines, which is why India is working with GE on producing the more powerful F414 engine locally and pursuing its own engine development.
| Programme | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tejas Mk1A | Light fighter | 180 ordered; first deliveries expected 2027 |
| Tejas Mk2 | Medium-weight fighter | In development |
| AMCA | Fifth-generation stealth fighter | In development |
| Su-30MKI upgrade | Heavy fighter | Upgrade planned |
| Rafale | Multi-role fighter | In service |
Election Guru Analysis
If the first Tejas Mk1A jets reach the IAF in January 2027, it will end a nearly three-year delay and give a needed boost to India’s fighter fleet. But one or two jets will not fix the squadron shortage. The real test is how quickly HAL can ramp up deliveries once GE engines arrive regularly. The episode is also a reminder that India’s defence self-reliance depends on building its own engines, a goal the government has made a priority.
Tejas Mk1A Delivery FAQ
When will the Tejas Mk1A be delivered to the IAF?
According to a ThePrint report, HAL may hand over the first one or two Tejas Mk1A jets to the IAF in January 2027. This has not been officially confirmed.
Why was the Tejas Mk1A delayed?
Mainly because GE Aerospace delivered F404 engines late; the first engine arrived in March 2025. Radar software integration issues also remain.
How many Tejas Mk1A has India ordered?
180 in total: 83 ordered in February 2021 and 97 more in September 2025.
Which engine does the Tejas Mk1A use?
The GE F404-IN20 engine.
What was the original delivery date?
Deliveries were originally due to begin in February 2024.
What new features does the Mk1A have?
AESA radar, beyond-visual-range missiles, an electronic warfare suite and air-to-air refuelling.
When did the MiG-21 retire?
The IAF retired its last MiG-21 squadrons in September 2025.