Last Updated:
Sources said another review meeting between HAL and the Ministry of Defence is expected in September to assess the programme’s progress and finalise the delivery schedule.
The Tejas Mk1A programme has already been delayed due to the slow supply of GE Aerospace’s F404 engines. (Photo: News18/Anoshito Banerjee)
One of the six GE Aerospace F404 engines delivered for the indigenous Tejas Mk1A aircraft has developed an issue. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken up the matter with the vendor for rectification while continuing aircraft integration, certification and other mandatory work required before deliveries can begin.
Further, a fresh review of the progress of the entire project is scheduled for September, and if all conditions are met, a delivery schedule can be finalised.
A comment from HAL was not immediately available. However, sources familiar with the matter confirmed the issue and said the engine does not have any “major problem”.
“Whenever a product is delivered, it undergoes a mandatory inspection. If any issue is detected or any parameter does not meet the required standard, it is flagged to the vendor. The same process has been followed in this case, and the issue is being resolved,” a source privy to the matter said.
Tejas Mk1A Programme
The Tejas Mk1A programme has already been delayed due to the slow supply of GE Aerospace’s F404 engines. HAL has received only six engines so far, of which five are currently serviceable. The aircraft has also yet to complete the remaining integration work, certification activities and compliance with all Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs) before deliveries to the Indian Air Force can commence.
The programme was reviewed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a high-level meeting at Kartavya Bhavan on June 8. While no relaxation in the requirements was granted, HAL reportedly informed the meeting that work on the pending technical milestones was progressing and that the aircraft would be ready after completing all mandatory processes.
Defence Ministry To Review Project
Sources said another review meeting between HAL and the Ministry of Defence is expected in September to assess the programme’s progress and finalise the delivery schedule. However, HAL has also been informed that it can approach the ministry earlier if the aircraft is ready before the scheduled review. A revised delivery timeline is expected to be finalised once all technical, certification and regulatory requirements have been completed.
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1, which is already in service with the Indian Air Force. The IAF currently operates two Tejas Mk1 squadrons and has placed orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A fighters under two contracts for 83 and 97 aircraft. The Mk1A can carry a broad range of weapons, including beyond-visual-range missiles, close-combat missiles, precision-guided bombs, laser-guided munitions and anti-ship missiles. It is also equipped with a 23 mm internal cannon and multiple hardpoints for weapons and external fuel tanks.
About the Author
.jpg?impolicy=website&width=60&height=60 "Akash Sharma")
Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien…Read More
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
