From delivery delays to lack of ‘mission mode’: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s concerns with HAL over Tejas

What are the main issues raised by the Air Chief?

1. Delivery delays: Air Chief Marshal Singh has highlighted that HAL has failed to meet delivery timelines for the Tejas aircraft. He said work was being done in ‘silos’ — an integrated and coordinated approach to solve issues concerning delays was missing. He noted that none of the promised Tejas Mk1A jets were ready by February 2025, despite assurances from HAL. The Air Chief said he had been assured that 11 such aircraft would be ready without engines.

2. Lack of confidence in HAL: Air Chief Marshal Singh said he has “no confidence” in HAL’s ability to meet the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s critical requirements, emphasising that this is a concerning situation. He remarked HAL’s attitude of “ho jayega” (it will happen) lacks the urgency needed to address IAF’s needs.

3. Not operating in mission mode: The Air Chief criticised HAL for not being in “mission mode,” indicating a lack of proactive effort and efficiency. He expressed frustration that despite being a state-owned company with a shared history, HAL is not aligning with IAF’s operational urgency.

4. Incomplete capabilities: The Air Chief Marshal raised concerns about the readiness and capabilities of the Tejas Mk1A, pointing out that the aircraft presented were not fully equipped with the required capabilities needed by IAF. He pointed out that just a change of software does not improve the aircraft capability from Tejas Mk1 to Mk1A. “Maza nahin aa raha hai,” (It’s not working out) he said.

5. Need for systemic change: He stressed the need for drastic changes within HAL’s system, not pointing fingers at individuals but indicating broader systemic issues. He said when he points fingers at others three of them point back at him. Singh said HAL and IAF have made mistakes, but the delays and changing requirements exacerbate the problem.

What do the Air Chief’s comments indicate?

These complaints reflect the IAF’s frustration with HAL’s production delays, especially given the pressing need to address the shortfall in fighter strength and phase out older aircraft like the MiG-21.

The Indian Air Force has not yet received the first batch of 40 Tejas aircraft, ordered in 2009-2010, with induction starting in 2016. As of January 2025, these deliveries remain incomplete, despite expectations of faster production.

Speaking about the Tejas delivery timeline at a seminar a few days ago, the Air Chief said, “We should go back to 1984 when the project was conceived. The aircraft flew 17 years later in 2001. Then, the induction started another 16 years later in 2016. Today we are in 2024 and I (Indian Air Force) do not have the first 40 aircraft…”

What are the issues plaguing the Tejas project?

Amid significant concerns over HAL’s production capability, the Air Chief too has expressed frustration, noting that even after years, the initial batch is undelivered. He emphasised the need for HAL to invest in advanced manufacturing processes and up-skill manpower to increase production speed.

There are engine supply issues too which have caused delays. The delays in the supply of GE F404 engines from GE Aerospace of USA have contributed to the hold-up, with deliveries initially scheduled for March 2023 but now delayed further. The government has imposed penalties on GE Aerospace for this delay.

These delays impact IAF readiness. They affect the IAF’s operational capabilities, particularly as it faces a shortage of fighter squadrons (currently 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42). The Tejas Mk1A is crucial for replacing ageing MiG-21 aircraft and addressing this shortfall.

What is the Air Chief’s advice to counter these problems?

In the past, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has stressed the need for private players in defence manufacturing to introduce competition and ensure timely delivery.