(IAF) Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh expressed “Mazaa nahin aa raha.”
Digital Desk: On February 11, Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh criticized Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for delaying the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A.
During his address at Aero India on February 11, 2025 in Bengaluru the admiral avowed that he lacked confidence in HAL's ability to adhere to timeframes describing it as “very wrong” way of proceeding. Social media users circulated a video where two HAL staff members expressed their remarks which quickly spread across online platforms.
The Air Chief displayed his frustration because the result is not delivered on due dates. A representative told me in February that 11 units of Tejas Mk1A aircraft would be prepared at that time. ACM Singh clearly stated there were no ready aircraft when he visited.
He also refused to accept modifications of previous models when they lacked substantial improvements. The aircraft that received the Mk1A label has not achieved Mk1A specifications. It is not Mk1A. He emphasized "Mazaa nahin aa raha" while saying "The aircraft that you flew, calling it Mk1A. It is not Mk1A. It cannot happen just by change of one software or by looks."
Chairman and Managing Director of HAL D. K. Sunil responded to the received criticism. Mr. Sunil explained the problem stemmed mainly from General Electric (GE) engine supply chain obstacles. He clarified that “The concerns over delays are well understood but are simply not attributable to the laziness of the industry”
He confirmed GE had solved its manufacturing constraints and announced the company would send 12 F-404 engines during this year. The company has produced three completed aircraft while it aims to manufacture a total of eleven by the conclusion of this year.
ACM Singh showed concern for the situation yet remained optimistic about future progress since he emphasized the need for HAL to develop a unified operational philosophy. “Something has to change. Probably an enchanted wand stands as the requirement to unify all operations properly. It’s high time,” he said.
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