Says delay in delivery of 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets has further exacerbated shortfall

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has called on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to ensure Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) accelerates production of Tejas fighter jets to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) dwindling squadron strength. The committee, headed by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, presented its report in Parliament on Tuesday.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the committee stated, “The MoD must sensitise HAL to augment Tejas production so that the operational role of the IAF is not compromised due to the depletion in squadron strength.” It also urged the ministry to expedite the procurement of contracted fighter aircraft.

The IAF requires 42 fighter squadrons to prepare for a two-front war with Pakistan and China but currently operates only 31 active squadrons, each comprising 16-18 jets. The Parliamentary panel noted that the delay in the delivery of 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets ordered from HAL has further exacerbated the shortfall.

The order, worth Rs 48,000 crore, was expected to begin delivery in March, but not a single jet has been delivered to date. HAL has now been directed to increase production capacity. The MoD, which holds a majority stake in HAL, has assured the committee that steps were being taken to address the issue.

The IAF has also initiated the process for acquiring additional 97 Tejas Mark-1A jets, with the Defence Acquisition Council granting preliminary approval. A formal request for proposals has been issued.

Meanwhile, the IAF faces significant challenges with the planned retirement of ageing aircraft. Two squadrons of Soviet-era MiG-21 jets will be phased out over the next year, while the Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 fleets —approximately 250 jets inducted during the 1980s — are set to retire in batches after 2029-30.

The committee was briefed on the Modernisation of Airfields Infrastructure (MAFI) programme, which has equipped 52 airfields with advanced systems. Additionally, a project to build next-generation hardened aircraft shelters at forward airfields is underway to protect critical assets from enemy strikes.

Courtesy: The Tribune India :18th Dec , 2024