Indigenous LCA Mk1A Fighter Jets Ready for Delivery; HAL Confirms Five Jets Prepared for IAF

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has clarified that five indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jets are fully ready and discussions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) are ongoing to ensure timely delivery. The announcement comes amid reports suggesting potential delays in the handover, possibly pushing the inclusion of these jets in the Air Force fleet to May 2026.

HAL Statement on LCA Mk1A:
HAL confirmed that the five aircraft meet all major specifications outlined in the contract. “HAL is in active discussion with the IAF to ensure early delivery,” the company stated. The statement also noted that five engines supplied by General Electric (GE) have already been received, and the supply outlook remains positive, aligning with HAL’s delivery schedule. HAL reaffirmed its commitment to meet the targets set for the current financial year.

Reports of Possible Delay:
Earlier, HAL had promised delivery of five LCA Mk1A jets by March 2026. However, reports from ET suggested that the jets might not be fully ready for induction into the IAF until May, citing pending avionics work and final certification by the Air Force.

While weapon-firing tests have been completed, the aircraft still require additional testing, including the integration of critical components delayed by foreign vendors. Full operational readiness also requires functional Electronic Warfare suites and operational Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems.

Background on Delays:
The LCA Mk1A program has experienced repeated delays. Initially, deliveries were scheduled for March 2025. Engine supply delays from GE postponed the timeline, leading to a revised March 2026 deadline. To accelerate production, HAL has established a new assembly line in Nasik alongside its Bengaluru facility.

The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 180 LCA Mk1A aircraft. In September last year, the Ministry of Defence awarded HAL a contract worth ₹62,370 crore for 97 jets, including 68 fighter aircraft and 29 two-seater trainer jets.