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.
Officials said defence contracts typically include fixed delivery timelines, and failure to meet them can trigger liquidated damages.
“At least 18-24 LCA Mk1A aircraft are expected to be ready by the end of the year if HAL is able to make up for some of those shortfalls (Air Staff Qualitative Requirements). HAL has been asked to meet the commitments and timelines,” the sources added.
The IAF has signed two major contracts with HAL for a total of 180 Tejas aircraft — the first in 2021 for 83 jets and the second in 2025 for 97 aircraft. Earlier this year, HAL itself imposed contractual penalties on GE over delays in supplying F404-IN20 engines for the Mk1A programme.
On wider fighter procurement discussions, including Russia’s offer of the Su-57 stealth aircraft to India, sources said no decision has been taken yet.
“There are discussions, but no decision has been made on Russia’s offer yet.”
Separately, HAL is in talks with GE for the advanced GE-414 engine, which is expected to power India’s future fighter programmes, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and upgraded Tejas variants. “Technical negotiations have been completed. Commercial negotiations are going on,” the sources said.
They added that the GE-414 engine will play a key role not only in the Tejas Mk2 programme but also in early AMCA variants.
On the request for proposal (RFP) process for AMCA development, sources said the timeline is moving forward.
“RFP for AMCA was issued 10 days ago. It has a time of 60 days. The responses should come by the end of July. After that, the rest of the process will be done.”
With inputs from TOI
