Technical Issues Delaying LCA Mk-1A to Be Resolved in 1-2 Months: IAF Vice Chief

New Delhi: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A could enter service with the Indian Air Force within the next one to two months, according to IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who said only a few technical issues remain to be resolved before the fighter can be inducted.

Speaking at a briefing ahead of Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur, Dixit said the initial delay was linked largely to a shortage of engines. He said the engines have now been received and installed, allowing the aircraft to undergo detailed testing before induction.

Two or three technical issues remain

Dixit said two or three technical points still need to be proven before the aircraft can formally enter IAF service.

“Two or three points are left to be proven, and I think in a month or two, we should be able to overcome that technical issue.”

He specifically referred to issues involving the radar and certain integration work, adding that these matters were close to resolution.

The comments come days after Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the company was working on final radar and weapons-integration issues before beginning deliveries. HAL has said that 27 Mk-1A airframes are ready and that it has received 10 engines from GE Aerospace.

Engine supply problem has eased

According to Dixit, the initial delay in the programme was primarily caused by insufficient availability of engines. He said the situation has now improved, with engines installed on the aircraft and testing underway.

The Mk-1A uses the GE Aerospace F404-IN20 engine. Earlier delays in engine deliveries contributed to the programme missing its original delivery timeline.

HAL has continued manufacturing airframes while working through the outstanding technical issues. The company has said it is targeting deliveries to the IAF by the end of 2026, although the final induction timeline depends on successful completion of testing and certification.

IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A fighters

The IAF has placed orders for 180 LCA Mk-1A fighters in two contracts worth about ₹1.1 lakh crore.

The first order, for 83 aircraft, was signed in February 2021. A second contract covering another 97 fighters was signed in September 2025.

The aircraft is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk-1 and incorporates improvements in areas including avionics, radar, electronic warfare and weapons integration.

The induction is significant for the IAF as it seeks to strengthen its fighter fleet while older aircraft are progressively retired.

Tarang Shakti 2026 to feature global fighter aircraft

Dixit was speaking ahead of Tarang Shakti 2026, the IAF's major multilateral air exercise scheduled to take place in Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12.

The exercise is expected to feature aircraft from several countries. According to the IAF vice chief, participating foreign platforms will include F-35s, F-16s, Rafales, A400Ms, A330 MRTTs, KC-135s and C-130s, alongside Indian aircraft such as Su-30s, Rafales, Jaguars, Mirage-2000s and MiG-29s.

The United States is expected to bring six F-35 fifth-generation fighters, marking their first participation in a military exercise in India.

Final testing remains the key step

While the IAF has indicated that the Mk-1A is approaching induction, the aircraft must still complete the remaining technical validation before it can be formally accepted for operational service.

For now, the IAF expects the outstanding radar, integration and other technical issues to be resolved within one to two months, after which the path toward induction is expected to become clearer.