HAL Boosts Tejas Jet Production to 24 Per Year, Separate Private Line Deemed Unviable

India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a core component of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) modernization strategy, is set for a production boost in the coming year. Despite calls for additional private-sector involvement, it’s been deemed economically unfeasible to establish a separate production line for the Tejas outside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace and defense company leading the program. Instead, HAL plans to scale up its production to 24 jets annually in 2024, capitalizing on extensive private-sector collaboration in its existing production lines.

Challenges and HAL’s Expansion Plans

HAL’s decision comes amid significant challenges, especially with delays in engine supply. Currently, HAL is constrained by a limited supply of General Electric F-404 engines, which power the LCA Tejas Mk1A model. Sources report that only two F-404 engines have been delivered, which restricts HAL’s ability to produce more than two Tejas jets in the current fiscal year. However, HAL has ramped up efforts to overcome these limitations by establishing a third production line, enabling it to meet the projected goal of 24 jets per year once engine supplies stabilize.

The contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, awarded in 2021, mandates that HAL deliver three jets by February 2024, followed by an annual delivery of 16 jets over the next five years. This ₹48,000 crore contract highlights the urgency with which India aims to advance its self-reliant defense program. Beyond the current order, an additional 97 Mk1A jets are under consideration, showing continued confidence in HAL’s capacity to deliver.

Private Sector and MSME Contributions

While HAL remains the primary manufacturer of the Tejas jets, private-sector involvement has been growing within the existing HAL-led framework. Over 270 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) supply critical components and subsystems, creating a robust domestic supply chain. This extensive network contributes everything from avionics to structural components, embodying the “Make in India” initiative and boosting the indigenous defense manufacturing sector. Yet, establishing a new, standalone private sector line, potentially led by a second major company, has been ruled out due to prohibitive costs.

Advances in LCA-Mk1A and LCA-Mk2 Variants

The LCA Tejas Mk1A variant represents a significant leap from the initial model, incorporating advanced avionics, improved radar, and refined weaponry integration. HAL has already completed the integration of Israeli radar systems in the Mk1A, and work on weapon integration continues, marking a key milestone in preparing the aircraft for full operational capability with the IAF.

Following the Mk1A, HAL has plans to produce the LCA Tejas Mk2, a more advanced and larger version of the Tejas platform. Equipped with the more powerful GE F-414 engine, the Mk2 promises superior thrust and extended capabilities. HAL expects the Mk2 to make its maiden flight by October 2025, with development wrapping up by December 2027. After the Mk1A production run, the Mk2 is projected to enter full-scale production in 2032. The IAF has signaled interest in procuring approximately 120 Mk2 jets, highlighting the LCA platform’s long-term significance in the IAF’s fleet modernization plans.

Balancing Speed and Self-Reliance in Production

The IAF has expressed its support for HAL’s accelerated production approach, favoring a mix of public and private sector involvement rather than a separate production line. This cooperative approach aims to strengthen India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities while minimizing delays and optimizing costs. Additionally, a diversified supply base could better position India to fulfill domestic demand and eventually compete in the export market for light combat aircraft.

While HAL’s expansion ensures a steady supply of Tejas jets for the IAF, the increased private sector role underlines India’s strategy for a more self-reliant defense industry. The next few years will be critical as HAL and its MSME partners work to deliver the current Mk1A orders, advance the Mk2 variant, and potentially expand production further to meet both domestic and international requirements.