The HAL Tejas fleet, consisting of 34 jets, was grounded in February 2026 after a landing mishap. This incident raised concerns about the operational readiness of India’s indigenous fighter jet program.
On April 8, 2026, HAL chairman DK Sunil announced that all Tejas jets are set to fly again, marking a crucial recovery for the fleet. This announcement comes after a period of uncertainty and operational challenges.
HAL has faced delays in engine deliveries from GE Aerospace, which has supplied only six of the 99 F404 engines contracted. The first engine was delivered in March 2025, but the pace has been sluggish.
Despite these setbacks, HAL expects another engine delivery by the end of April 2026, which is vital for the Tejas Mk-1A program. This program aims to deliver over 20 aircraft by December 2026, a key milestone in replacing the aging MiG-21s.
India has ordered a total of 180 Tejas Mk1A variants, but the program has faced criticism for taking longer and costing more than anticipated. The indigenous Kaveri engine was delinked from the Tejas airframe in 2008 due to performance issues.
Philip Rajkumar, an expert in the field, remarked, “The jet engine is one of the most complex pieces of machinery that you can ever think of.” His comments highlight the technical challenges faced by HAL.
In a defense of the Tejas, Rajkumar stated, “Utter rubbish. In performance, in sheer performance, LCA Tejas is better,” emphasizing the aircraft’s capabilities despite the hurdles.
This sequence of events is significant for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently operates 32 to 34 HAL Tejas Mk1 fighter jets in two operational squadrons. The resumption of flights is critical for maintaining operational readiness.
As the Tejas fleet prepares to take to the skies again, the implications of these developments resonate throughout India’s defense landscape. The Tejas program’s success is essential for bolstering indigenous defense capabilities.
With the grounding now behind them, HAL and the IAF are poised to move forward, but the challenges with engine supply from GE Aerospace remain a point of concern.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the additional engine deliveries, but the focus remains on ensuring the Tejas jets are fully operational as planned.
