The HAL Tejas Program: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a cornerstone of India’s defense modernization and its push for self-reliance under the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, the Tejas is a single-engine, multirole supersonic fighter aimed at bolstering the Indian Air Force (IAF) while reducing dependence on foreign imports. However, the program has faced significant challenges, including delivery delays, engine supply constraints, and quality concerns, raising questions about HAL’s ability to meet IAF’s urgent needs. This blog explores the Tejas program’s current status, its technological advancements, strategic importance, and future trajectory, addressing key aspects such as deliveries, production capacity, indigenization, avionics, armaments, costs, and comparisons with peers. Abst...