The North News
New Delhi, February 24
The Defence Ministry has launched a high-level inquiry into repeated delays in the production and induction of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A, sources have confirmed. The probe follows Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s public frustration over the setbacks, with the IAF facing a shrinking fighter jet fleet and mounting concerns over operational readiness.
The delay has been attributed to the American firm General Electric (GE), which has failed to deliver engines for the upgraded Tejas Mk-1A on schedule. Originally due in March 2023, the engines remain undelivered, prompting India to impose contractual penalties on GE, suggested media reports. Sources reveal that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have all raised the issue during visits to the US, pressing for expedited deliveries. GE has since committed to commencing engine supplies by March or April next year.
Tensions flared earlier this month when Air Chief Marshal Singh, during the Aero India show in Bengaluru, openly criticized Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for its failure to meet deadlines. In a rare public rebuke, Singh was caught on video telling HAL officials that he had “no confidence” in their commitments. The footage, published by defence outlet National Defence, shows Singh lamenting HAL’s vague assurances, saying, “At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL, which is a very wrong thing to happen.”
According to India Today, Singh’s remarks reflect deepening frustration within the IAF over slow progress on its order of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. The Hindustan Times also reported Singh’s criticism of HAL’s culture of empty promises, quoting him as saying, “‘Everything is driven by ‘ho jayega’ (will happen) and ‘karenge’ (we will do it)!’” The controversy has reignited debates over India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, highlighting persistent production bottlenecks and accountability issues within state-owned enterprises.
With HAL yet to respond, the latest inquiry adds further pressure on the aerospace giant to deliver. The findings of the probe will be critical in ensuring timely production, safeguarding India’s fighter fleet, and strengthening the nation’s self-reliance in defence under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
