Details regarding the delivery schedule have not been disclosed, which is considered crucial as the first tranche is due by the end of 2029. Some sources suggest the second batch could be delivered by the end of 2035.
According to the Indian side, more than 65% of components will come from local suppliers. Key partners include the United States, which provides General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engines, and Israel, supplying Elta Systems EL/M-2052 radars, while integration also includes European MBDA ASRAAM missiles.
The Tejas Mk 1A programme is currently delayed compared with its planned timeline. Indian sources indicate that HAL has yet to begin deliveries of the first machines, with technical, bureaucratic and procedural issues cited as major factors.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 31 HAL Tejas Mk 1 aircraft in two squadrons. One production aircraft was lost in an accident on 12 March 2024, when the pilot ejected and the fleet was grounded for several weeks.
