India’s state-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver just eight Tejas Mk1A fighter jets over the next 24–36 months before ramping up to full-scale production, according to a media report.
The modest start comes even as HAL finalises the long-awaited engine supply agreement with General Electric (GE), a key step in India’s efforts to accelerate indigenous fighter production.
What was the engine contract for Tejas aircraft?
The engine contract, signed on November 7, 2025, covers 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters. Valued at part of the Rs 62,370-crore procurement cleared earlier this year, the deal had been delayed due to protracted cost negotiations, Moneycontrol reported, citing government officials.
A senior government official said HAL and GE needed to “align on escalating costs” before confirming delivery timelines, which pushed back the early production schedule.
With the agreement now in place, HAL is stabilising its production line, leading to a slower initial output. “The first phase is naturally slower. That has pushed the early aircraft deliveries into an eight-unit window over 24–36 months,” the official said.
When will the bulk output of Tejas jets begin?
Internal delivery charts show that the real production surge begins only after the third year. Three consecutive tranches of 24 aircraft each are slated for rollout after months 37, 49 and 61.
A final batch of 12 fighters is scheduled to be delivered between months 73 and 84, effectively from late 2031 to late 2032. This means the full Mk1A order will take roughly seven years to complete from the date of contract signing.
What is the current production plan?
Once HAL’s assembly lines settle into a steady rhythm, officials expect near back-to-back production of the three major tranches. The final 12-aircraft batch will close out the Mk1A order, after which production slots can shift to future variants.
The 113 engines contracted include units earmarked for lifecycle replacement. The F404-GE-IN20, a proven afterburning turbofan that already powers the Tejas Mk1 fleet, will support the upgraded Mk1A, which features improved avionics, an enhanced radar, mid-air refuelling capability and higher mission readiness.
The phased production plan reflects HAL’s strategy of stabilising output before scaling up, a crucial step as India pushes to expand its indigenous fighter fleet.