The Indian Air Force (IAF) is inching closer to inducting its long-awaited indigenous fighter, the Tejas Mk-1A. According to defense sources, a pivotal meeting between the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is scheduled for the last week of April. This meeting will review the project’s progress and assess if all essential operational requirements have been met for the commencement of deliveries.

The induction of Tejas Mk-1A is critical for the IAF, which currently operates with only 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. Before joining the fleet, each aircraft must clear stringent ASQR (Air Staff Quality Requirements). Test pilots will conduct extensive flight trials to ensure the jet is combat-ready. Any detected technical glitches must be rectified by HAL before formal handover.

The primary bottleneck for the program was the delayed supply of General Electric (GE) F404 engines. With engines now arriving under the 2021 contract, the project has regained momentum. HAL currently holds orders for 180 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, which will eventually form nine new squadrons. If the upcoming meeting concludes successfully, the delivery timeline will be finalized, significantly boosting India’s aerial defense capabilities.