NEW DELHI — A weekly defence dispatch published on 26 September 2026 warned that delays in the Tejas Mk1A and Zorawar Mk1 fighter programmes could be eroding India’s operational readiness. The report, released by Firstpost, highlighted that the Tejas programme has faced repeated production setbacks, and that the Zorawar project, a joint venture with Russia, has not yet entered serial production. The dispatch notes that the lack of a domestic, high‑performance fighter could leave the Indian Air Force (IAF) reliant on older aircraft and foreign platforms for critical missions.
US F‑35s Fly with IAF, Agni‑V Bunker‑Busters in Development
The dispatch also reported that U.S. F‑35 fighter jets have begun joint training exercises with the IAF, a move that underscores the deepening Indo‑US defence ties. The joint flights, conducted in the western sector, are intended to improve interoperability and share operational experience between the two air forces. The report added that the Agni‑V missile, a long‑range, bunker‑busting system, is in the final stages of testing and is expected to enter service in the coming years. The Agni‑V’s development is part of India’s broader strategy to maintain strategic deterrence in the face of regional security challenges.
In addition to the domestic fighter delays, the dispatch covered the Farnborough Defence Exhibition, where Defence One reported on a business brief that highlighted several key trends. The brief noted that India’s defence procurement has seen a shift towards joint ventures and technology transfer agreements, with a focus on enhancing indigenous production capabilities. It also highlighted the growing interest of Indian companies in acquiring advanced aerospace and missile technologies from overseas partners.
According to the Firstpost dispatch, the Tejas Mk1A programme has been delayed by a combination of technical issues and supply‑chain bottlenecks. The report stated that the programme’s original schedule, which aimed for serial production by 2024, has been pushed back to 2028. The delay has implications for the IAF’s fleet composition, as the Tejas is intended to replace older MiG‑21s and MiG‑29s in the frontline. The dispatch added that the Zorawar Mk1, a medium‑altitude, long‑endurance fighter, has not yet received a production licence from the Russian Ministry of Defence, further slowing its entry into service.
The report also highlighted that the U.S. F‑35s flying with the IAF are part of a broader Indo‑US defence cooperation framework. The joint exercises, conducted under the Indo‑US Joint Air Exercise (IJAEX), are designed to improve tactical coordination and share best practices. The dispatch noted that the F‑35’s advanced sensor suite and stealth capabilities are expected to provide a significant boost to the IAF’s operational effectiveness.
In the realm of strategic deterrence, the dispatch reported that the Agni‑V missile has undergone a series of successful test flights. The missile, which can carry a nuclear payload and has a range of over 5,000 kilometres, is being positioned as a key element of India’s second‑strike capability. The report added that the Agni‑V’s bunker‑busting capability is intended to neutralise hardened targets, thereby enhancing India’s deterrence posture against potential adversaries.
The Farnborough Defence Brief, as reported by Defence One, underscored the importance of technology transfer agreements in India’s defence procurement strategy. The brief highlighted that India has signed several agreements with European and American firms to acquire advanced aircraft engines, avionics, and missile systems. The report also noted that the Indian government is actively pursuing joint development projects to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Overall, the dispatch paints a picture of a defence ecosystem that is grappling with production delays while simultaneously pursuing advanced foreign technology. The report underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritises indigenous development without compromising on operational readiness.
