At Aero India 2025, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, publicly criticized Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for failing to deliver the promised Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. Highlighting his frustration over missed deadlines and unfulfilled promises, the Air Force Chief expressed doubts about HAL’s mission readiness. With the Indian Air Force facing a dwindling fighter fleet, the delay in the indigenous Tejas Mk1A program has raised serious concerns about India’s air combat capabilities. Watch the full report for all the details.
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NewsTranscript
00:00At
00:27the prestigious Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, what was meant to be a showcase of India's
00:32growing aerospace prowess, took a dramatic turn as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief
00:37Marshal AP Singh, criticized Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, better known as HAL, over significant
00:44delays in delivering the much-awaited light combat aircraft Tejas MK1A.
00:52Air Force Chief could be heard saying, I was promised that by February 11 Tejas MK1As would
00:58be ready and not a single one is ready.
01:01This is not the mission mode that we need.
01:08Strong words from the Air Force Chief reflecting the growing frustration within the Indian
01:12Air Force over HAL's repeated delays.
01:15The Tejas MK1A was meant to strengthen India's fighter fleet but the continued setbacks are
01:20now causing serious concerns.
01:22HAL showcased what it claimed to be the upgraded Tejas MK1A but Air Chief Marshal Singh was
01:29quick to point out that these were not the promised versions.
01:47He could be heard saying, Just changing one's software or appearance does not make it an
01:51MK1A.
01:52It needs to have the advanced weapons and enhanced capabilities to truly be called an
01:57MK1A.
02:01HAL attributes the delays to logistical and technical challenges but maintains optimism
02:05about the program's future.
02:07They cited advancements in avionics and electronic warfare systems, assuring that the MK1A would
02:13be game-changer once delivered.
02:16The Indian Air Force is currently grappling with a dwindling fighter fleet down to 31
02:21operational squadrons far below the sanctioned strength of 42.
02:25The induction of Tejas MK1A is critical as older jets like the MiG-21 and Jaguar are
02:31being phased out.
02:33This public reprimand by the Air Force Chief highlights a deeper issue, an apparent lack
02:38of confidence in HAL's capability to deliver on time.
02:42In the video that went viral, Air Chief Marshal Singh was heard saying, I am just not confident
02:48in HAL at this moment.
02:49We are simply not in mission mode.
02:51This ho jayega attitude has to change.
02:56The Tejas MK1A program is crucial for India's push for indigenous defence manufacturing
03:01and self-reliance.
03:02However, the delays have put this vision under strain.
03:06The coming months will be critical as HAL races against time to meet its commitments.