The defence ministry is considering penalties on state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over continuing delays in the supply of Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft, according to defence sources cited by TOI. The matter was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. So far, not a single Tejas Mk1A has been delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“At least six engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace have already been received by HAL for Tejas. The structures of 18 aircraft are also ready with it. We can understand the delays in engine delivery on the part of GE, but that is a separate issue. However, as the six GE engines had already arrived, HAL should have delivered at least six aircraft to the IAF by now. Due to the delay, there could be liquidated damages (LD) being applied,” the sources told the news agency.
