The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently operating 32 out of a sanctioned 42 fighter squadrons. A major chunk of these squadrons consists of Russian-made aircraft, which are either due for upgrades to meet contemporary combat standards or are approaching the end of their service life.

By the end of 2025, the IAF’s squadron strength will fall to 29. This reduction will occur as two remaining MiG 21 Bison squadrons are retired, but their intended replacements, the Tejas Mk1 A fighters, will not arrive in time.

Sources indicate that delays in the delivery of these essential fighters by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are partly due to a shortage of General Electric F404-IN20 engines, which power the Tejas Mk1 A. Under a contract signed in August 2021, GE committed to supplying 99 engines starting in March to support HAL’s order for 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft. The contract specifies that GE should provide engines at the same rate HAL delivers aircraft—16 per financial year. However, GE has not yet delivered any engines to HAL, according to a report by ThePrint.

GE has recently promised to supply the first two engines by the end of September, but the IAF remains sceptical. Even if GE meets this deadline, there are concerns about future deliveries due to reported global supply chain issues.

In March, the first Tejas Mk1A aircraft, designated LA 5033, made its inaugural flight. Initially, it was reported that the delivery schedule had slipped by at least four months. The first aircraft did not fly with the new engines but was powered by Category B engines—reserve engines from earlier deals with GE for the Tejas series.

HAL says it can meet the overall delivery schedule if GE fulfills its commitments. The company has established a new production line in Nashik for LCA Mk-1As, besides the existing one in Bengaluru, which together can produce 24 aircraft annually. Despite this, the IAF is wary, because of past experience.