Air Force Chief: First 40 Tejas Delayed as China Tests 6th Gen Jets

In a significant address at the 21st Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighted the ongoing challenges in the timely delivery of Tejas fighter aircraft and called for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to boost the defense manufacturing ecosystem. He also stressed the need for increased funding for Research and Development (R&D) to ensure that India’s defense technology can stay at par with global advancements.

Speaking on the theme of ‘Atmanirbharta in Aerospace: Way Ahead,’ Singh pointed out that while R&D is critical for technological advancements, it loses its value if it fails to meet the required timelines. His comments came in the context of the delay in the procurement of the first batch of Tejas fighter jets, a program that has faced its fair share of hurdles over the years.

While discussing the challenges of defense production, Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized the importance of flexibility in the manufacturing processes. “We may not always need capacity, but we need flexibility. Production agencies need to invest in more advanced manufacturing processes to speed up production and ensure their workforce is adequately skilled,” he said.

The Tejas aircraft, which was first inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016, was conceived in 1984 and saw its first flight in 2001. However, Singh pointed out that despite nearly 40 years since its conception, the IAF still lacks the first 40 Tejas jets, citing major concerns around the slow pace of production.

Singh suggested that the key to solving these delays is fostering competition and ensuring that multiple sources are available for the production of critical defense hardware. “We need competition, and we need multiple sources to ensure that production does not stagnate. Without this, we risk a failure in addressing the challenges in production,” Singh remarked.

Tejas was conceived as part of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program to replace outdated MiG-21 and Su-7 fleets. After a long development period, Tejas finally began its series production and initial operational clearance in 2016. The aircraft has since been inducted into two IAF squadrons: No. 45 Squadron, ‘The Flying Daggers,’ and No. 18 Squadron, ‘The Flying Bullets.’

A significant part of Singh’s speech was dedicated to the need for greater involvement from private players in defense manufacturing. “If we cannot meet deadlines, R&D loses its relevance. Time is a critical factor in defense technology. We must accept failures, learn from them, and move forward,” he urged, underlining the importance of faster and more efficient production timelines.

Singh also pointed out that India’s defense R&D budget is significantly lower than it should be. Currently, R&D funding accounts for just 5% of the total defense budget, a figure that Singh believes should be increased to 15% in order to drive faster innovation and production of defense technologies.

Singh’s comments on the challenges faced by India’s defense sector also come at a time when China has made remarkable advancements in its own military technology. China recently tested its 6th-generation stealth fighter jets, a move that has raised concerns among Indian defense strategists. “Both our northern and western adversaries are increasing their forces, and China’s technological advancements are happening at a rapid pace. We just witnessed the flight of their latest stealth fighter, which poses a significant threat,” said Singh.

China has already developed two types of stealth fighter jets, the J-20 and J-35, in record time, and its 6th-generation fighter program is making rapid progress. India, meanwhile, is grappling with delays in the development and procurement of its own fighter aircraft, including the Tejas.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” with a focus on improving jointness and integration across the armed forces, simplifying procurement processes, and fostering public-private partnerships in defense manufacturing. The goal is to streamline defense acquisitions and make India a credible exporter of defense products.

Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed hope that the reforms would help address the persistent delays in defense procurement and production. “Acquisition procedures need to be made simpler, and they must be time-sensitive. We need to foster more private players in defense and make sure R&D funding is available to them as well,” he said.

The Indian Air Force has placed orders for 83 Tejas Mk1A variants, with the aircraft expected to be delivered by 2025. However, reports suggest that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) may only be able to deliver two to three Tejas Mk1A aircraft by the end of the fiscal year 2024-2025, rather than the promised 16.

The delay has been attributed to the slow delivery of the F404 engines from General Electric, a major component of the Tejas jet. These engines, which are essential for the Tejas Mk1A variants, were originally supposed to be delivered by March 2023, but now they are expected by March 2025, two years behind schedule.

Despite these setbacks, the Tejas has been recognized as a highly capable multi-role fighter, suitable for various missions, including air defense, ground attack, and interception. The aircraft’s impeccable safety record and versatile capabilities have led countries like Nigeria, Argentina, Egypt, and the Philippines to show interest in purchasing it.

One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by Singh is the falling squadron strength of the Indian Air Force. While the IAF is authorized to operate 42 squadrons, it currently has only 31. A squadron typically consists of 18 aircraft, including two trainer jets. The reduction in squadron strength has been exacerbated by the aging fleet of MiG-21 jets, which have been in service for over 60 years.

The IAF plans to address this shortfall in the long term through the timely induction of multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) and the Tejas Mk II. However, immediate solutions may require the purchase of foreign-made fifth-generation aircraft, if delays in domestic production persist.

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