Full Breakdown
HAL prepares major handover while Tejas Mk1A fighter deliveries remain delayed
By Drooid · · How we work
Scheduled Handover on September 18, 2026
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will transfer two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers, three HTT-40 basic trainers, and four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to the Indian Air Force and Pawan Hans Ltd in Bengaluru on 18 September 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and HAL Chairman-MD Ravi K will attend. The Ministry of Defence presents the event as a milestone in India’s self-reliance drive.
Background & Context
HAL’s portfolio includes the LCA Tejas Mk1A, the HTT-40 trainer, the Dhruv NG helicopter, and projects such as the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Combat Air Teaming System. The 2021 contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets called for the first batch in March 2024, but schedule slips have persisted because of engine supply and integration challenges. HAL is pursuing co-production of GE’s F414-INS6 engines and a joint design effort with Safran on the IMRH.
Data & Statistics
- Tejas Mk1A fleet: 180 airframes planned; 27 (?15 %) ready for testing.
- Engine deliveries: 10 GE F404-IN20 engines received; 12 more expected by Dec 2026.
- Orders: 83 Mk1A jets ordered Feb 2021 (?INR48,000 cr) and 97 additional jets ordered Sep 2025 (?INR62,370 cr).
- HTT-40 contract: Rs 6,838 cr for 70 aircraft; three units slated for the September 2026 handover.
- Dhruv NG: 12 prototypes built; 187 required for the LUH programme; eight earmarked for ONGC, with two spares.
- IMRH timeline: Engine development projected for 2030, airframe completion by 2031-32.
Official Statements & Responses
HAL CMD Ravi K said the remaining “one or two issues” delaying the first batch involve final AESA radar integration and missile-flight tests, and that the batch could be ready “by this year.” He added that technical matters with GE have been settled and a commercial proposal is expected by Oct 2026, subject to an Acceptance of Necessity from the MoD. Ravi K also noted that HAL is outsourcing non-core work and has launched recruitment drives to address bottlenecks. The MoD highlighted the handover as evidence of growing indigenous capability.
What’s Next
- Engine procurement: GE’s commercial proposal expected by Oct 2026, followed by AoN approval.
- Testing milestones: Ground testing of the F414-INS6 planned for Feb 2027; final AESA radar integration and missile-flight tests slated for the first half of 2027.
- Production ramp-up: After the September 2026 handover, HAL will focus on fulfilling orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, targeting completion of the first batch of 83 aircraft by Feb 2028, subject to engine availability.
- Future projects: IMRH engine design continues, with production expected after 2032, and the Combat Air Teaming System prototype is under development.
These steps outline HAL’s roadmap to resolve current delays while expanding India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.