Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to start delivering Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by the end of this year. The company is working to resolve the remaining radar and weapons-integration issues. HAL chairman and managing director Ravi K said the aircraft could be ready within a month.

“The last-mile corrections are underway,” he told HT on Thursday. “There are a few radar issues that we need to address. Also, the final weapons integration testing is still pending. We should resolve these issues within a month or so and get the aircraft ready for delivery.”

The LCA Mk-1A is a key part of the IAF’s plan to strengthen its fighter fleet. The force currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42.5. The IAF has placed two orders for 180 Mk-1A jets worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore.

The first contract for 83 aircraft was signed in February 2021. The second contract for 97 fighters was signed in September 2025. Deliveries under the first contract are expected to begin in December. HAL plans to deliver around 10 fighter jets to the IAF in the 2026-27 financial year.

“I have got 10 engines from GE Aerospace, and 27 LCA Mk-1A airframes are ready. We can definitely deliver 10 aircraft,” Ravi said.

The first Mk-1 aircraft was due for delivery in March 2024. HAL missed the deadline after delays in GE Aerospace’s F404-IN20 engine supplies and in securing key certifications. HAL aims to complete the first order within three to four years if engine supplies remain uninterrupted.

“We should be able to deliver within that timeline, given our capacity to produce 24 Mk-1As every year. We are not stopping production, irrespective of engine availability. We are building airframes so that aircraft can be rolled out as the engines arrive,” Ravi said.

The 97 fighters under the 2025 contract will carry more indigenous systems. These include the Uttam AESA radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite. HAL plans to replace around 40 imported systems used in the first 83 aircraft with Indian systems while executing the second contract.

The LCA Mk-2 programme is also progressing. HAL has completed the structure and coupling, with the front, centre and rear fuselage sections joined. The company is targeting the first ground run by March 2027 and the maiden flight later that year. The contract has not yet been signed, while the IAF is moving the case forward.

HAL is also negotiating with GE Aerospace for joint production of F414 engines in India for the Mk-2 programme. Aeronautical Development Agency has already acquired a few F414 engines for Mk-2 prototypes.

“As far as the joint production of the F414 is concerned, all technical issues have been resolved. We are awaiting a commercial proposal from GE Aerospace and then we will start negotiating the terms and conditions for that.” The deal will involve 80% technology transfer.