Fake Test Reports Allegedly Submitted in India’s Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jet Program

Allegations of serious fraud have surfaced in connection with India’s indigenous Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft program after a private supplier was accused of submitting nearly 200 forged test reports for aircraft components.

According to Indian media reports, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Hyderabad-based TEC Aero Devices over the alleged submission of fake quality-testing documents related to the Tejas Mk-1A program.

According to the complaint, HAL issued 18 purchase orders to TEC Aero Devices between March 28, 2022, and the subsequent phases of the program for the supply of components for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft. Following verification of samples, test reports, and technical documentation, the company was approved to manufacture 172 components across 35 categories.

Under the procurement agreement, suppliers were required to submit original test reports before delivering components in large quantities. TEC Aero Devices subsequently submitted 199 test reports covering various quality parameters, including tensile strength, hardness, break load, shear testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), microstructure analysis, and salt spray testing.

However, during a verification process, HAL’s quality control division sought confirmation from Axis Inspection Solutions, whose name appeared on the reports. An audit conducted on November 29, 2023, reportedly found that none of the 199 reports had been issued by Axis Inspection Solutions.

The audit further indicated that all 199 reports submitted between February and September 2023 were suspected to be forged. Axis Inspection Solutions informed HAL that its name and signatures had allegedly been falsified and used without authorization to create the documents.

Following the findings, HAL barred TEC Aero Devices from conducting business with the company for three years, until March 10, 2027. HAL stated that no payments had been made against the disputed supplies.

The company was later issued a show-cause notice, and after reviewing its response and completing internal deliberations, HAL removed TEC Aero Devices from its list of approved suppliers for the same three-year period.

According to reports, HAL decided to pursue criminal proceedings after completing its internal investigation, audit, and administrative review processes, leading to the filing of the FIR.

The complainant stated that the filing of the FIR was delayed because of the time required to complete the internal investigation and formal procedures. Police have registered the case and are continuing their investigation into the alleged submission of forged quality-certification documents.

If proven, the case could raise broader concerns about supply-chain oversight and quality assurance procedures in one of India’s most important indigenous defense aviation programs.