Air Force Chief A P Singh Criticises HAL Over Delays in Defence Projects

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh came down heavily on state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over its failure to meet delivery timelines for aircraft. He stated that the agency is not operating in mission mode.

He remarked, “I was promised that when I come here in February, 11 Tejas Mk1As would be ready. And not a single one is ready. Everything is [driven by] 'ho jayega' (will happen).”

Previously, Singh has worked with HAL as a temporary pilot at the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC). He noted, “HAL is our company, we have all worked there. But I find that HAL is just not in mission mode.”

Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in association with HAL, Tejas Mk1A is an advanced version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

Singh said, “I can only tell you our requirements and what our worries are. You have to alleviate those worries and make us more confident. At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL, which is a very, very wrong thing to happen.”

He added, “I would be the happiest person if proved wrong. “I feel that only a few are putting in any effort. Or maybe everyone is putting in effort in their own silos without looking at the overall picture. Something has to change. Some drastic change. This needs a magic wand so everything gets aligned. It’s high time.”

Notably, HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) DK Sunil highlighted that supply chain disruptions majorly caused by General Electric led to the delays. He added that the US-based engine maker has rectified its production issues and will supply 12 F-404 engines for the LCA Mk1A this year.

During a press briefing at Aero India Sunil said, “GE has stabilised its manufacturing process for the F404 engines. We have already made three aircraft, and by the end of this year, 11 will be manufactured. As the engines start coming in, our delivery to the IAF will start.”

HAL has vowed to deliver 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft by 2031-32, implying that the project is still in the pipeline. The company is aiming to ramp up its production capacity to manufacture 24 Tejas Mk1A aircraft per year.

The IAF chief’s criticism comes at a time when the air arm is reportedly witnessing shortage of fighter squadrons. Surprisingly, IAF is operating with only 31 out of the sanctioned 42 squadrons. Out of these two are expected to be phased out this year.