With lingering deliveries, IAF also not happy with overall tech scenario raises serious questions on LCA Tejas at a time Government of India pushes make in India boundaries for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. On same day at Aero India when Air Chief expressed dissatisfaction in regards to LCA Tejas, HAL flew in LCA Mk1A “ALPHA” in the inaugural program.
Shailesh Kumar, National Defence
Bengaluru, 10 February 2025
Watch IAF Chief ACM AP Singh speaking about HAL’s LCA Tejas while sitting in cockpit of HJT-36 Sitara which is now renamed as “Yashas”.
Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh explains to HAL why he is not happy with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over India’s indigenous homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, for which IAF has had placed an order of 200 aircrafts to HAL.
IAF that is in dire need of fighter aircraft due to its ageing fighter fleet faces non- delivery of LCA Tejas according to scheduled timelines. Production delays by HAL pushed timelines time and again.
IAF chief made remarks when he visited HAL pavilion at Aero India 2025 at Bengaluru where HJT 36 Sitara that is now renamed as Yashas. HAL CMD Dr. DK Sunil was also present when air chief reviewed the modified updated version Yashas.
According to HAL, four Mk IA aircraft flew in ‘finger four’ formation called Yodha formation. The Mk IA second prototype did an amazing aerial display in front of the Raksha Mantri, enthralling the spectators. The Mk IA, also called the ‘Alpha,’ is a more capable and significantly upgraded aircraft slated to be a part of IAF in the coming months.
HAL in a written statement said, “The upgrade includes a new sensor suite, new more capable Mission and Digital Flight Control System, new weapons, net centric capability and Astra BVRs apart from Precision guided weapons. IAF has placed 83-aircraft order on HAL. The lead aircraft are poised to get Military Type Certificate and enter service”.
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