The HAL Tejas fleet, which was grounded in February 2026 following a landing mishap, is scheduled to resume operations on April 8, 2026. HAL chairman DK Sunil confirmed that all Tejas jets are set to fly again from next Wednesday.

Prior to the grounding, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operated 32 to 34 HAL Tejas Mk1 fighter jets across two operational squadrons. The Tejas program, however, has faced significant challenges, including delays and increased costs over the years.

One of the primary issues affecting the Tejas Mk-1A program has been delays in engine deliveries from GE Aerospace. HAL has imposed penalties on GE Aerospace for these delays, as the company has only supplied six out of a contracted 99 F404 engines, with the first engine delivered in March 2025.

Despite these setbacks, HAL expects to receive another engine delivery by the end of April 2026, which is crucial for the program’s progress. The Tejas Mk-1A program aims to deliver over 20 aircraft by December 2026, as India has ordered a total of 180 Tejas Mk1A variants to replace aging MiG-21s.

The indigenous Kaveri engine was delinked from the Tejas airframe in 2008 due to its failure to deliver the required thrust, leading to reliance on foreign engines. This decision has had long-term implications for the program’s development.

Experts have noted that the Tejas is compatible with modern missiles, laser-guided bombs, and helmet-mounted displays, enhancing its operational capabilities. However, the program’s prolonged timeline and budget overruns have drawn criticism.

Sandeep Unnithan remarked on the financial aspects of the program, stating, “India spent relatively modest sums on the programme and abandoned it too early, while China poured in tens of billions of dollars with a national-level push.” This highlights the competitive landscape in military aviation.

Philip Rajkumar, an aviation expert, emphasized the complexity of jet engines, saying, “The jet engine is one of the most complex pieces of machinery that you can ever think of.” He also defended the Tejas’s performance, asserting, “Utter rubbish. In performance, in sheer performance, LCA Tejas is better.”

As the Tejas fleet prepares to take to the skies once again, the focus will be on overcoming the challenges posed by engine supply issues and ensuring that the program meets its delivery targets.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for future engine deliveries and the overall readiness of the Tejas Mk-1A program as it moves forward.

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The release of the city intimation slip is a key step in the exam process that allows candidates to prepare for the upcoming exam logistically. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced that candidates registered for Intake 01/2027 can now download their allocated examination city slip from the official website. This slip is essential as it contains vital information such as the candidate’s name, registration number, exam city, exam date, shift timings, reporting time, and gate closing time.

The examination is scheduled to take place on March 30th and 31st, 2026. However, it is important to note that the city slip will not serve as a legitimate document for entry into the examination hall. Candidates will receive their admit cards separately, which are mandatory for entry to the examination center.

To access the city slip, candidates must log in using their registered email ID, password, and captcha. The admit card will be issued approximately four days prior to the exam date, allowing candidates to prepare adequately. The city slip is intended to provide advance information about the examination centers, enabling candidates to make necessary logistical arrangements.

The selection process for the IAF consists of three stages: Phase I, which includes a Computer Based Test (CBT); Phase II, which involves a Physical Fitness Test and adaptability tests; and Phase III, which is a Medical Examination. Candidates are advised to check their exam city and timing schedule well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

This announcement has been met with anticipation among candidates, as it marks a significant step toward their goal of joining the Indian Air Force. Observers suggest that the timely release of the city slip will help candidates manage their preparations effectively.

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“The IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash,” stated the Indian Air Force in a somber announcement following the incident.

The crash of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet occurred during a training mission in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on March 6, 2026. The aircraft lost contact with ground control at approximately 7:42 PM after taking off from Jorhat airbase, which is about 60 kilometers from the crash site.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound near the crash site, indicating the severity of the incident. Search and rescue operations were promptly initiated to locate the aircraft and assess the situation.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater multirole long-range fighter jet developed by Sukhoi and built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. The IAF operates a fleet of more than 260 of these jets, which have been integral to its air operations.

Previous accidents involving the Su-30MKI have raised concerns, with notable crashes occurring in Nashik district in June 2024 and at Gwalior airbase in January 2023. These incidents have prompted discussions about the safety and operational protocols surrounding the aircraft.

In light of this tragedy, the Indian Air Force expressed its condolences, stating, “All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” This sentiment reflects the deep impact of the loss on the IAF community.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact cause of the crash, and investigations are likely to follow to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The IAF has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.

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