Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run company responsible for assembling the jets, has been able to deliver only two Tejas jets this fiscal year, far below the planned 18. This has happened because of GE’s inability to fulfill engine orders due to internal supply chain disruptions.

At first glance, the photograph of two fighter jets — one parked on the tarmac and other zooming past it in the air — appears entirely commonplace.