Indian Air Force Faces Acute Fighter Jet Shortage Amid Delays in Tejas Programme

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a critical shortage of fighter aircraft, raising concerns about its operational preparedness at a time when regional adversaries, including China, are rapidly advancing their military capabilities.

At present, the IAF has just 29 fighter squadrons, well short of the sanctioned strength of 42, with each squadron comprising 18 aircraft. The situation is expected to worsen as two squadrons of ageing MiG-21 jets are set to retire this month, leaving the force short of at least 250 aircraft.

To bridge the gap, the IAF is banking on the indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter jet. An order for 180 aircraft has been placed, including a 2021 deal worth ₹46,000 crore for 83 jets, followed by a fresh approval in August to procure 97 more aircraft worth ₹62,000 crore. However, deliveries under the 2021 contract are yet to begin. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run manufacturer, has announced that the first two Tejas Mark-1A jets will be delivered in October.

Engine Supply Bottlenecks
The primary reason for the delay is a disruption in the supply of engines from U.S. firm General Electric (GE). HAL had signed a contract for 404 engines, with deliveries scheduled to begin in March 2024. However, only two engines have been received so far—one each in April and May. GE had committed to supplying 12 engines in the current financial year at a rate of two per month but failed to meet the August deadline. The company has now assured HAL that four to five engines will be delivered in September to make up for the backlog.

Tejas Mark-2 Timeline Pushed Back
Parallel to the Mark-1A programme, HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency are working on the more advanced Tejas Mark-2, which is expected to feature stealth capabilities and next-generation weapon systems, placing it in competition with fighters such as the Rafale. India has signed another agreement with GE for 414 engines to power this variant.

Originally, the first prototype of the Tejas Mark-2 was scheduled for 2026. However, the timeline has slipped, with the rollout now expected in late 2026 or early 2027. The Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency confirmed the delay, citing developmental challenges.

Mounting Concerns
The repeated setbacks have drawn concern from the IAF’s top brass. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh recently voiced his frustration, noting that despite over four decades of work on the Tejas programme, fewer than 40 aircraft have been delivered so far. Currently, the IAF operates only two squadrons of Tejas jets.

Military experts warn that continued delays could severely affect India’s ability to plug its fighter jet shortfall, particularly amid growing security threats from China and Pakistan.

Capacity Expansion Offers Hope
Despite the setbacks, officials point out that HAL has ramped up its production capabilities. The company is now equipped to manufacture 24 to 30 fighter jets annually. Defence experts believe that once the supply chain stabilises, production of Tejas aircraft could accelerate significantly, easing some of the IAF’s operational concerns.