HAL says 5 LCA MK1A aircraft 'ready for delivery' after report claims delay

HAL shares see profit booking in trade.

• HAL says five LCA MK1A aircraft are fully ready for delivery as per agreement
• Nine more aircraft built and flown, pending engines from GE for delivery
• HAL assures delivery plans align with current financial year guidance

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Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on February 5 issued a clarification stating that five Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk1A) are “fully ready” for delivery and incorporate all specifications required under the contract.

“HAL wishes to clarify the status of LCA Mk1A deliveries to the customer for all stakeholders. HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications,” the state-run company said in a post on X.

The clarification followed a report by Economic Times, which said deliveries were likely to miss another deadline and could be pushed beyond May.

HAL wishes to clarify the status of LCA MK1A deliveries to the customer for all stakeholders. HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications.

— HAL (@HALHQBLR) February 5, 2026

According to the report, the aircraft are not yet fit for induction, with avionics integration and final certification still pending. The first batch was initially scheduled for delivery by March 2025, but the timeline was later revised to March 2026—a deadline the report said could be missed again.

Shares of HAL were trading 4.76 percent lower at Rs 4,016.30 on the NSE at 11:43 am.

HAL said that, apart from the five aircraft ready for delivery, nine additional Mk1A jets have been built and flown. “Upon receipt of engines from GE Aerospace, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery. All design and development issues identified are being addressed in an expedited manner,” the company said.

The aircraft maker added that it is in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to expedite deliveries and that the engine supply outlook from GE is “positive”.

“HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL’s delivery plans. HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year,” the company said.

Facing a widening shortage of combat aircraft, the Indian Air Force has placed orders for 180 fighter jets. In September last year, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 62,370-crore contract for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft, comprising 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seater trainer variants.