Delay in MK1A Fighter Aircraft Deliveries – Penalty may be on HAL

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the progress of key ongoing projects being carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during a meeting. Following this meeting, several major updates have emerged regarding the delay in the delivery of India’s indigenous Tejas MK1A fighter aircraft, Russia’s Sukhoi SU-57 fighter aircraft, and India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the AMCA. In addition, reports have surfaced about imposing a penalty on HAL.

According to information that emerged from the meeting, HAL has completed 18 Tejas MK1A fighter aircraft. So far, six engines have reportedly been delivered. It is worth noting that the Tejas aircraft’s engine is imported from the United States and is manufactured by the American company General Electric.(UPDATED ON 8TH JUNE 2026)