Air Force Tejas Mk1A: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 22 Jan 2026 10:19

uddu wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 08:48 There could be 20 to 25 engines with the IAF.
pravula wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 04:27 Again, Tejas uses a unique version of F404, called F404-IN20. It’s not the same as the other 4000+ engines. Most of them do not even have FADEC afaik.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ec ... 392957.ece
The GE had delivered 65 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas LCA from 2008 to 2016.

I lost you there. What does a delivery of 65 units have to do with 4000+ engines available to buy per OP?

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 22 Jan 2026 10:23

pravula wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 10:19
uddu wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 08:48 There could be 20 to 25 engines with the IAF.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/ec ... 392957.ece
The GE had delivered 65 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas LCA from 2008 to 2016.
I lost you there. What does a delivery of 65 units have to do with 4000+ engines available to buy per OP?

Not that. There are available engines with us that could be used if things are that dire.

This news will be much more related to the point you raised. Tejas did fly with another variant F404-F2J3. Probably a precursor to F404-IN20.
https://indianexpress.com/article/expla ... -10378729/
Also In 2008, the Kaveri project was officially delinked with the Tejas; General Electric’s F404-F2J3 engine was procured as an interim solution.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 22 Jan 2026 10:36

Big- ये हुआ तो इतिहास बनेगा! Tejas + Kaveri Engine integration

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment is preparing the roadmap for a high-thrust variant of the Kaveri Derivative Engine that could emerge as a future indigenous replacement for the F404-GE-IN20 currently powering the Tejas Mk1A. Once the ongoing Kaveri Derivative Engine certification programme is completed, GTRE plans to initiate work on a new uprated core designed to deliver 55 kN of dry thrust, provided the required funding is sanctioned.

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 22 Jan 2026 10:52

uddu wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 10:23
pravula wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 10:19

I lost you there. What does a delivery of 65 units have to do with 4000+ engines available to buy per OP?
Not that. There are available engines with us that could be used if things are that dire.

This news will be much more related to the point you raised. Tejas did fly with another variant F404-F2J3. Probably a precursor to F404-IN20.
https://indianexpress.com/article/expla ... -10378729/
Also In 2008, the Kaveri project was officially delinked with the Tejas; General Electric’s F404-F2J3 engine was procured as an interim solution.

Per GE, those engines were only used for TD purposes?

https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press- ... rst-flight

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 22 Jan 2026 11:03

pravula wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 10:52 Per GE, those engines were only used for TD purposes?

https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press- ... rst-flight

Indeed its has higher thrust and also many other features. over the other F404 variants
https://www.geaerospace.com/military-de ... gines/f404

If situation is that dire, we could use the current engines with the IAF until things stabilize. Also if the Kaveri news is correct, then things are going in the right direction in the medium to long term solution. Makes Atmanirbharta in engines the one and only roadblock that need resolution, funding and whatnot.
The IAF must not shift goalposts once the DRDO Safran deal for engines are signed. This must be the engine/upgraded variant for future Sixth Gen fighters as well. We have expertise in every other area. Iterative progress need to be adopted by IAF. The obsession with relying on everyone else will again push back all the progress that we achieved in every other area. Hope IAF don't end up wasting next so many years tyring to figure out who should be courted to be our Sixth Gen Fighter partner. Just go with improving on AMCA tech.

One more aspect is the French cannot be trusted to stick to the engine development. They have a tendancy to withdraw half way through the project and pursue their own way out once they are comfortable with the tech after certain stage. This has happened with their Tank development with Germany and also with their Frigate partnership with the Italians. May happen with us as well. Hope we don't end up holding up an engine that's certain percentage complete and no way to completion, while not having a parallel program of engines of our own.

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 22 Jan 2026 11:17

uddu wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 11:03
pravula wrote: ↑22 Jan 2026 10:52 Per GE, those engines were only used for TD purposes?

https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press- ... rst-flight
Indeed its has higher thrust and also many other features. over the other F404 variants
https://www.geaerospace.com/military-de ... gines/f404

If situation is that dire, we could use the current engines with the IAF until things stabilize. Also if the Kaveri news is correct, then things are going in the right direction in the medium to long term solution. Makes Atmanirbharta in engines the one and only roadblock that need resolution, funding and whatnot.
The IAF must not shift goalposts once the DRDO Safran deal for engines are signed. This must be the engine/upgraded variant for future Sixth Gen fighters as well. We have expertise in every other area. Iterative progress need to be adopted by IAF. The obsession with relying on everyone else will again push back all the progress that we achieved in every other area. Hope IAF don't end up wasting next so many years tyring to figure out who should be courted to be our Sixth Gen Fighter partner. Just go with improving on AMCA tech.

Dude, if the situation is dire, IAF will just Import Aircraft Forcibly. Infact thats probably the plan. Sabotage Tejas to Import Aircraft From France/Russia/USA/China/Pakistan/Sweden/Korea/Bangladesh

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 24 Jan 2026 21:41

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/2014930849008115881
@hvtiaf_bharat
For the followers of India's Tejas, I must state with absolute certainty that Mk1A is a great aircraft with top-of-the-line capabilities today. Unanticipated delays are there but Mk1A deserves fullest backing and love from its followers. Thanks as we must keep working undeterred.

Bharadwaj · Post by **Bharadwaj** » 25 Jan 2026 16:14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw87BZ-eXwQ

India TV report on astra. The scientist interviewed says Tejas acquired target at 140km and engaged at 110km during trials last year. So this should rest the astra not integrated story once and for all.Edit: Another scientist also says the astra mk1 range is being increased to 160km. I am guessing this will be tested on mk1a and the induction debate will hopefully end once and for all. I am guessing the issue is that longer ranges were promised over the tejas mk1/astra mk1 combo and the mk1a has to deliver this. This is purely speculation on my part based on the above interview. Let us wait and watch-exciting times for our air power development.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 25 Jan 2026 19:24

Bharadwaj wrote: ↑25 Jan 2026 16:14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw87BZ-eXwQ

India TV report on astra. The scientist interviewed says Tejas acquired target at 140km and engaged at 110km during trials last year. So this should rest the astra not integrated story once and for all.Edit: Another scientist also says the astra mk1 range is being increased to 160km. I am guessing this will be tested on mk1a and the induction debate will hopefully end once and for all. I am guessing the issue is that longer ranges were promised over the tejas mk1/astra mk1 combo and the mk1a has to deliver this. This is purely speculation on my part based on the above interview. Let us wait and watch-exciting times for our air power development.

He says during Operation Sindoor, Astra destroyed the threat coming from Pakistan. Astra will be part of Sudarshan Chakra. More than 50 trials done from Su-30MKI+LCA.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 25 Jan 2026 21:55

Interesting there were reports of Fighter aircraft shooting down incoming missiles on 10 May 25 morning near Sringar, After series missiles were later recovered from Wular lake.
I the incoming cruise missiles were engaged by Tejas with AAMs, possibly Astra

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jan 2026 01:43

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/2014648 ... 84817?s=20 ---> The GE engine delivery squeeze is real. But if after 10 months of 1st engine delivery and a total of 6 production engines in hand, Tejas Mk1A hasn’t been certified/delivered and if Mk2 roll out has been delayed by an year even after accounting for delayed fund release naturally HAL’s competence will be called into question.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 26 Jan 2026 11:45

Rakesh wrote: ↑26 Jan 2026 01:43 https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/2014648 ... 84817?s=20 ---> The GE engine delivery squeeze is real. But if after 10 months of 1st engine delivery and a total of 6 production engines in hand, Tejas Mk1A hasn’t been certified/delivered and if Mk2 roll out has been delayed by an year even after accounting for delayed fund release naturally HAL’s competence will be called into question.

Rakeshji, Please have little bit more patience. The Astra is now fully integrated. Few more things that IAF wanted is going on. Let that be completed and the 5 planes will be delivered right away. What they are doing is to ensure the IAF requirements are met. When it happens, it will be 5 or 6 planes together handed over. These are already capable than MK1 and can be deployed if need be without those extra features that are getting integrated into the MK1A. So let's show some more patience for few more months as the planes are already manufactured. 12 of them are ready. HAL can be blamed for many things but not manufacturing. The quality is good, the timing of manufacturing is good.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jan 2026 18:50

uddu wrote: ↑26 Jan 2026 11:45
Rakesh wrote: ↑26 Jan 2026 01:43 https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/2014648 ... 84817?s=20 ---> The GE engine delivery squeeze is real. But if after 10 months of 1st engine delivery and a total of 6 production engines in hand, Tejas Mk1A hasn’t been certified/delivered and if Mk2 roll out has been delayed by an year even after accounting for delayed fund release naturally HAL’s competence will be called into question.
Rakeshji, Please have little bit more patience. The Astra is now fully integrated. Few more things that IAF wanted is going on. Let that be completed and the 5 planes will be delivered right away. What they are doing is to ensure the IAF requirements are met. When it happens, it will be 5 or 6 planes together handed over. These are already capable than MK1 and can be deployed if need be without those extra features that are getting integrated into the MK1A. So let's show some more patience for few more months as the planes are already manufactured. 12 of them are ready. HAL can be blamed for many things but not manufacturing. The quality is good, the timing of manufacturing is good.

Sirjee, that is not my tweet

I only posted it.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 26 Jan 2026 19:01

Rakesh wrote: ↑26 Jan 2026 18:50
uddu wrote: ↑26 Jan 2026 11:45
Rakeshji, Please have little bit more patience. The Astra is now fully integrated. Few more things that IAF wanted is going on. Let that be completed and the 5 planes will be delivered right away. What they are doing is to ensure the IAF requirements are met. When it happens, it will be 5 or 6 planes together handed over. These are already capable than MK1 and can be deployed if need be without those extra features that are getting integrated into the MK1A. So let's show some more patience for few more months as the planes are already manufactured. 12 of them are ready. HAL can be blamed for many things but not manufacturing. The quality is good, the timing of manufacturing is good.
Sirjee, that is not my tweet I only posted it.

Understood. We could avoid such messages for some time being. Also some reports are suggesting that it may be little bit more than March. Let's wait and see, how it goes.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Jan 2026 23:33

uddu wrote: ↑26 Jan 2026 19:01 Understood. We could avoid such messages for some time being. Also some reports are suggesting that it may be little bit more than March. Let's wait and see, how it goes.

Avoiding such messages will make us no better than Pakistan, who censors all the bad news.

Criticism is not equal to being anti-Atmanirbhar Bharat. If the GOI is preaching the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" slogan to the nation, then it is imperative upon the Govt to enforce that policy. Criticism should bring to light to the issues that HAL is facing and those issues should be addressed/resolved. Otherwise we will perpetually import. If you want to stop the import of 114 Rafales, then HAL has to get its house in order.

We cannot have HAL take its own sweet time to deliver Tejas Mk1A and then complain when 114 Rafales are purchased.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 28 Jan 2026 20:01

Five LCA MK1A Ready for Delivery

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 28 Jan 2026 20:48

^^^ VIDEO: https://x.com/kaidensharmaa/status/2016 ... 05784?s=20 ---> Five Tejas (Mk1A) aircraft are ready. We have completed firing and missile trials. We would be approaching the IAF to take these five fighters in the current financial year.

Bharadwaj · Post by **Bharadwaj** » 29 Jan 2026 20:05

Yes Admiral all that is great but the defencematrix guys got told at the HAL booth at the same show that there are still astra trials remaining for Feb. I hope IAF does everyone a favor( including poor retail shareholders like me) and accepts the birds in present shape.

https://x.com/Defencematrix1/status/2016466853720375403 ---> Tejas Mk1A update: Astra Integration is still ongoing, some issues are there which are likely to get sorted by February and the aircraft can be delivered by March. Likely the first 5 aircraft.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 Jan 2026 21:22

^^^ Yes I did read that as well. But accepting five aircraft in the current financial year could still happen, as it ends on March 31st. So if they do successfully complete the Astra trails remaining for Feb, then it is a possibilty. At this stage, I just want HAL to deliver the five aircraft. HAL must follow through on its own committment.

Cybaru · Post by **Cybaru** » 30 Jan 2026 04:41

Induction/onboarding/familiarization for the new crew takes time, this should not stop IAF from inducting a platform that already exists in its stables.

Bharadwaj · Post by **Bharadwaj** » 30 Jan 2026 07:09

https://youtu.be/G2WNdE5sXhU?t=358

CMD repeats the same line of we have completed trials and are going to ask IAF to accept. I guess that is now the offcial party line from HAL. Let us wait and watch what happens in feb.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Jan 2026 18:41

New Deadline: Will HAL Deliver 5 Tejas Mk1As In 2 Months?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has repeatedly missed Tejas Mk1A delivery timelines, delaying Indian Air Force squadron expansion. As of January 2026, HAL reports five jets ready after trials, but earlier milestones slipped due to engine supply and integration problems, extended certification and weapons trials, limited production capacity, and fragmented avionics supply chains. The delays extend India’s fighter shortfall, increase reliance on foreign platforms, and invite scrutiny. Remedies include tighter vendor schedules, parallelised certification, expanded production lines and transparent phased delivery timelines.

Bharadwaj · Post by **Bharadwaj** » 31 Jan 2026 09:52

Now this is getting a bit beyond beleif....

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation ... line-again

HAL says five Tejas Mk-1A jets ready, but delivery to IAF may miss deadline again

However, sources in the defence and security establishment said that although the jets have successfully completed weapons trials, including the firing of two missiles and the release of a laser-guided bomb, final Staff Qualitative Requirements (SQR) certification and mandatory operational demonstrations are still pending, a requirement for formal induction into service.

bkswarti · Post by **bkswarti** » 31 Jan 2026 09:56

^If they don’t have certification then it’s not ready. The requirement of certification was always there or was HAL just giving deadlines without certification.

I am sure I will be crucified here but I am just so tired of this nonsense from HAL. Get private players involved NOW.

ritesh · Post by **ritesh** » 31 Jan 2026 10:19

bkswarti wrote: ↑31 Jan 2026 09:56 ^If they don’t have certification then it’s not ready. The requirement of certification was always there or was HAL just giving deadlines without certification.

I am sure I will be crucified here but I am just so tired of this nonsense from HAL. Get private players involved NOW.

+1

ashthor · Post by **ashthor** » 31 Jan 2026 11:28

bkswarti wrote: ↑31 Jan 2026 09:56 ^If they don’t have certification then it’s not ready. The requirement of certification was always there or was HAL just giving deadlines without certification.

I am sure I will be crucified here but I am just so tired of this nonsense from HAL. Get private players involved NOW.

What will private players do...be realistic. What has Tatas or Adani done till now...other than screwdrivergiri. Mahindra
blotched up their purchase of a Australian company. We have no other options till the private player do like what L&T
is doing with submarines and Bharat Forge doing with Big gun and SSS doing with small guns.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 31 Jan 2026 14:46

Successive HAL CMDs have lied through their teeth, both about timelines & the reasons for the same. They have tried to sweep their slip-ups under the carpet

Anything that comes from the HAL CMD's mouth must be assumed to be a lie unless proven otherwise

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 31 Jan 2026 14:55

bkswarti wrote: ↑31 Jan 2026 09:56 Get private players involved NOW.

The AESA Radar is from an Israeli Private player, that may be the main reason for all these issues. May be we must have got an Indian Pvt Player and manufactured the Govt DRDO invented UTTAM Radar quickly as possible.

basant · Post by **basant** » 01 Feb 2026 10:50

bkswarti wrote: ↑31 Jan 2026 09:56 ^If they don’t have certification then it’s not ready. The requirement of certification was always there or was HAL just giving deadlines without certification.

I am sure I will be crucified here but I am just so tired of this nonsense from HAL. Get private players involved NOW.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 01 Feb 2026 11:09

basant wrote: ↑01 Feb 2026 10:50...

These are all done. Our Private Players and even the PSU HAL has delivered in making the aircraft. The Missile integration with Israeli radar being done. Let the process complete. There is nothing else can be done. Whoever choose the Israeli AESA radar over Uttam must be fired from his job.

basant · Post by **basant** » 01 Feb 2026 11:24

Agreed. I just read online gossip about 'pre-stuffed' fuselage manufacturing for Mk2. Have to wait and see.

williams · Post by **williams** » 01 Feb 2026 13:24

Most of these are mostly dragging teething issues. It is dragging longer because the baby is complex. Once the delivery starts things will snow ball faster.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 03 Feb 2026 18:38

But $35 billion is available to spend on 114 Rafale

VIDEO: https://x.com/ANI/status/2018254541872058615?s=20 ---> Delhi: On Kaveri engine development, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat says, "Kaveri engine, in its original form, has not delivered the thrust that is required for the LCA. The engine is working very well, it has given us a thrust of 72 kilonewton. But the LCA needs a thrust of 83-85 kilonewton. So, it's not going to be used in the LCA but we are using the derivative of the Kaveri engine for our unmanned combat aerial vehicle. So, without the after burner, the Kaveri engine will be used in our unmanned combat aircraft..."

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 03 Feb 2026 18:43

HAL says five Tejas Mk-1A jets ready, but delivery to IAF may miss deadline again
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation ... line-again
30 Jan 2026

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 04 Feb 2026 21:04

Rakesh wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 18:43 HAL says five Tejas Mk-1A jets ready, but delivery to IAF may miss deadline again
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation ... line-again
30 Jan 2026

“SQRs lay down the IAF’s performance benchmarks for induction. Beyond weapons trials, they cover flight envelope validation, avionics and sensor integration, electronic warfare performance, reliability and maintainability parameters and operational suitability checks. Only after these are demonstrated and certified can the aircraft be formally accepted,” a source explained.

The HAL chairman is disingenuous in polite parlance and shameless in colloquial parlance. If SQRs are not met, then by definition the aircraft is not ready. HAL didn’t wake up one fine day after completing everything to find these SQRs….

HAL has no excuse to hide behind for this - lots of orders, engines available for these 5, stable SQRs and ready customer. They have everything but the ability to do work.

Time for this chairman to retire and a new one to come in to make new deadlines and announce new projects like DOG, FAST, DOLPHIN, etc so that the cycle repeats again.

SRajesh · Post by **SRajesh** » 04 Feb 2026 21:16

with US deal done and dusted, will we see faster deliveries of the engines !!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Feb 2026 21:20

SRajesh wrote: ↑04 Feb 2026 21:16 with US deal done and dusted, will we see faster deliveries of the engines !!

One can only hope ---> viewtopic.php?p=2671314#p2671314

Dealing with Trump is like a pendulum. His emotional foundation rests on the principle of --> What have *YOU* done for *ME*?

Everyday one hopes that the Orange Diaper Baby wakes up on the right side of the bed.

• Trade Deal Close to Signature = Modi is my friend. I-Love-India. Namaste Modi!

• 114 MRFA deal goes to France = I hate Modi. India is not a reliable partner. Ack Thoo!

License assembly of the GE F404-IN20 turbofan would be nice to have. Right alongside the F414-INS6. With MRO for both.

If the relationship goes south, the GOI will follow this playbook below...

https://x.com/desiprof_/status/2019023138030493986?s=20 ---> India was willing to wait out Trump's term, and will not be bullied - Bloomberg.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 04 Feb 2026 22:02

Indian Air Force to review LCA Mark 1A aircraft project in May; deliveries may get delayed further
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/ge ... 204212023/
04 Feb 2026

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 05 Feb 2026 02:05

Great ! Just Great !!

bkswarti · Post by **bkswarti** » 05 Feb 2026 02:08

Tanaji wrote: ↑04 Feb 2026 21:04
Rakesh wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 18:43 HAL says five Tejas Mk-1A jets ready, but delivery to IAF may miss deadline again
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation ... line-again
30 Jan 2026

The HAL chairman is disingenuous in polite parlance and shameless in colloquial parlance. If SQRs are not met, then by definition the aircraft is not ready. HAL didn’t wake up one fine day after completing everything to find these SQRs….

HAL has no excuse to hide behind for this - lots of orders, engines available for these 5, stable SQRs and ready customer. They have everything but the ability to do work.

Time for this chairman to retire and a new one to come in to make new deadlines and announce new projects like DOG, FAST, DOLPHIN, etc so that the cycle repeats again.

I can’t agree more. At this point, I m willing to take Mk 2 away from HAL. Private AMCA will be delivered before the first Mk 2. Mark my words.