NEW DELHI: The
Indian Air Force will review the Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A project in May before taking a call on accepting deliveries of the fighter jets, a move that could push the induction timeline further, defence sources told ANI.
The Air Force has placed orders for 180 LCA Mark 1A aircraft in two tranches. While the project was reviewed in detail in December last year, the force plans another comprehensive assessment in May as most aircraft projects are expected to reach key milestones by April 2026. “The delivery timeline would be decided only after that,” defence sources told ANI.
Deliveries of the aircraft were originally expected last year but have been delayed as the Air Force has insisted on receiving the jets in a fully operational configuration. Supply chain issues related to the engines have also contributed to the delay.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has said it is ready with five LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, with major systems including radar, electronic warfare suites and weapons already integrated. HAL officials have maintained that the aircraft are in a condition suitable for acceptance.
HAL conducted the first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype from its Nashik facility on October 17. Nashik has been developed as the third production line under the Tejas programme, in addition to the two existing lines in Bengaluru.
According to HAL, 15 aircraft are currently in a ready configuration, and the company expects to have around 20 aircraft ready by the end of the year. The deliveries were meant to begin nearly a year ago, but engine-related supply disruptions have continued to slow the process.
Separately, HAL is also awaiting clarity on its role in the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, with the defence ministry yet to take a final decision on the issue.
India has been pushing to strengthen its indigenous aerospace capabilities, with the prime minister previously flying a sortie in a single-engine LCA to signal support for the programme. HAL is concurrently working on several other major projects, including the LCA Mark 2, the CATS Warrior programme and multiple helicopter platforms.
LCA Mark 1A: All you need to know
What is the LCA Mark 1A?The LCA Mark 1A is an upgraded version of India’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, developed to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force. It is designed as a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighter for air defence, ground attack and maritime strike missions.
The aircraft is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under the Tejas programme, with the Indian Air Force as the primary operator.
Why was the Mark 1A needed?The original Tejas Mark 1 faced limitations in maintenance, availability and combat systems. The Mark 1A was conceived to:
- Improve combat capability
- Reduce maintenance time and costs
- Increase indigenous content
- Speed up production and induction
Key specifications and capabilities
- Role: Multi-role light fighter
- Engine: GE F404-IN20 turbofan
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.6
- Combat radius: Around 500 km
- Service ceiling: About 50,000 feet
- Aerial refuelling: Probe-and-drogue system
- Crew: Single-seat
Major upgrades in LCA Mark 1AThe Mark 1A is fitted with an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, offering:
- Better target detection and tracking
- Simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement
- Improved performance in electronic warfare environments
The aircraft carries an indigenous electronic warfare suite that:
- Detects enemy radar emissions
- Provides jamming and self-protection
- Enhances survivability in contested airspace
The Mark 1A features:
- Line Replaceable Units for faster repairs
- Improved diagnostics
- Lower turnaround time between sorties
Weapons and payloadThe LCA Mark 1A can carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including:
- Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles
- Close combat missiles
- Precision-guided bombs
- Laser-guided munitions
- Anti-ship missiles
- 23 mm internal cannon
It has multiple hardpoints for carrying external fuel tanks and weapons.
The LCA Mark 1A has a significantly higher indigenous content compared to earlier versions, with key systems such as the mission computer, flight control systems, electronic warfare components, and software and avionics being developed within the country. This increase in indigenous content aligns with India’s broader push for defence self-reliance and reduced dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 LCA Mark 1A aircraft in two tranches, with production taking place across two assembly lines in Bengaluru and a third line in Nashik. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has said it plans to ramp up production as existing supply chain challenges are addressed.
Deliveries of the aircraft have been delayed due to a combination of factors, including disruptions in the engine supply chain, the Air Force’s insistence on inducting the jets only in a fully operational configuration, and the time required to integrate advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. HAL has maintained that several aircraft are already in ready configuration, while the IAF is expected to review the project before taking a final call on acceptance.
Within the Air Force’s fighter fleet, the LCA Mark 1A is intended to replace ageing MiG-21 variants, strengthen overall squadron numbers, and complement heavier platforms such as the Su-30MKI and Rafale. The aircraft is seen as a transitional solution that will bridge the gap until more advanced platforms, including the LCA Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, enter service.
Looking ahead, HAL is continuing work on multiple next-generation programmes alongside the Mark 1A, including the LCA Mark 2 with a more powerful engine, the CATS Warrior loyal wingman programme, and a range of new helicopter and unmanned platforms. The LCA Mark 1A remains central to India’s near-term air combat capability and to its long-term goal of building a robust indigenous aerospace ecosystem.