India's indigenous TEJAS fighter jet to expand Air Force strength; all you need to know about it

On Sunday, 17th May, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said deliveries of the TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force are expected to begin by August or September 2026 after delays caused by engine supply issues and certification requirements.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota said the company has already received six GE F404 engines, with 15 to 20 more expected during FY27. Aircraft fitted with the new engines are already flying, while additional refinements are being carried out to improve reliability and mission readiness.

Reports suggest that nearly 30 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft have already been manufactured and tested, and are awaiting

combat-ready engines for induction into the Indian Air Force.

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HAL said stabilising engine supplies is a major step forward for the programme. The company also projected double-digit revenue growth in FY27 and stated that successful TEJAS MK-1A deliveries would strengthen India's indigenous fighter fleet and improve Air Force squadron strength.

The TEJAS MK-1A is an upgraded version of the TEJAS MK-1, featuring advanced avionics, improved electronic warfare systems, and better maintainability. The Indian Air Force has stated that only fully certified aircraft meeting all operational requirements will be inducted into service.

ORIGIN OF TEJAS MK-1

The HAL TEJAS Mk1 is India's first indigenously developed supersonic, single-engine, multirole light fighter aircraft. The project was launched in 1983 to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets. The aircraft was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Indian government approved the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme in 1983, and the Aeronautical Development Agency was established in 1984 to oversee the project. On January 4, 2001, the first technology demonstrator completed its maiden flight. In 2003, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee officially named the aircraft 'TEJAS,' meaning 'Radiance' in Sanskrit.

The TEJAS Mk1 entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2015. In 2016, the Air Force formed its first TEJAS squadron, called the 'Flying Daggers,' at Sulur air base in Tamil Nadu.

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The fighter aircraft is built using more than 45% advanced carbon-fibre composites, making it one of the lightest supersonic fighters in its category. It is powered by the US-made GE F404 engine and is designed for multiple combat roles.

An upgraded version, the TEJAS Mk1A, includes advanced AESA radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and faster maintenance turnaround times to enhance operational capability.

The Indian government has also approved a major ₹62,000 crore deal for 97 additional TEJAS Mk1A fighter jets, strengthening its role as a key part of the Indian Air Force's future combat fleet.