A newly formed committee has been tasked with identifying bottlenecks in the LCA Tejas MK Program and evolving certain recommendations leading to speedy production. As per reports, the five-member panel will be headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This high-level panel has been formed weeks after Air Force (IAF) Chief AP Singh had flagged the delays in the deliveries of LCA aircraft. Concerns have been raised over the gradual decline in the number of operational squadrons, with the IAF relying on the 83 jets ordered to fulfil the requirement.
The officials said that they have been given a month-long deadline to submit their report.
HAL Assures Tejas Deliveries Will Begin Soon
Around two weeks ago, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas, assured that aircraft deliveries to the IAF would begin soon, as technical issues had been resolved. HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil addressed the delays, emphasizing that they were not due to negligence but rather technical challenges that have now been addressed.
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Speaking at the Aero India 2025 event, Sunil stated, “The delay is not simply attributable to laziness on the part of the industry. There have been technical issues, which have now been sorted out. The concerns of the Air Chief are understandable.”
He further mentioned that HAL has held multiple meetings at various levels to address the situation and is committed to ramping up production.
“We have assured that all structures will be ready. Once the engines are available, aircraft will start rolling out,” Sunil added.
His response came after reports surfaced of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressing concerns about the delays in a purported video. The formation of the Defence Ministry’s committee signals a strong effort to resolve the issues and ensure the timely induction of the Tejas Mk-1A into the IAF’s fleet.
