SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced a clear roadmap for the Tejas Mk2, India’s advanced 4.5-generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), with production slated to commence by 2029 following its first flight in the first quarter of 2026 (April–July). The program, a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, will undergo an intensive three-year testing phase, involving four pre-production jets to accelerate development. This milestone positions the Tejas Mk2 to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) with deliveries expected from 2032 onward.
The Tejas Mk2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), is designed to surpass the capabilities of the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A, featuring a larger airframe, close-coupled canards, a General Electric F414-INS6 engine, and cutting-edge avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. With a payload capacity of 6,500 kg and compatibility with indigenous weapons like the Astra and BrahMos-NG missiles, the Mk2 is poised to replace legacy IAF platforms such as the SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29.
According to HAL, the Tejas Mk2’s development will follow a structured three-year testing schedule post its Q1 2026 first flight. The initial two years will focus on the flight development phase, validating aerodynamic performance, engine integration, and flight control systems. This phase will ensure the aircraft meets the IAF’s stringent airworthiness and maneuverability requirements. The subsequent year will be dedicated to testing the weapons system, integrating and certifying a suite of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, alongside electronic warfare and sensor packages. To expedite this process, HAL plans to manufacture four pre-production Tejas Mk2 jets, which will distribute testing tasks across multiple airframes, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring comprehensive evaluation within the timeline.
The prototype, currently under assembly at HAL’s Bengaluru facility, is over 70% complete, with the center fuselage, wings, and engine integration progressing steadily. The rollout is expected by late 2025, followed by ground tests, including engine runs and taxi trials, before the first flight. The slight delay from the earlier Q4 2025 flight target to Q1 2026 reflects the complexity of integrating advanced subsystems, a challenge HAL is addressing through its expanded testing strategy. The pre-production jets will be critical in achieving Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by 2028, paving the way for production.
HAL anticipates finalizing a contract with the IAF by 2029, enabling series production to begin that year. Deliveries to the IAF are projected to start in 2032, with an initial order of 110–120 aircraft to equip six squadrons, and potential for up to 210 additional units. This timeline aligns with the IAF’s modernization goals, as it seeks to phase out older aircraft amid regional security challenges. The program’s indigenous content is expected to exceed 82%, rising to over 90% with localized engine production, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The ?10,000 crore funding approved in 2022 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has bolstered the program, enabling HAL to leverage the Tejas Mk1 supply chain and collaborate with private partners like Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro. The use of four pre-production jets, a strategy inspired by global fighter programs, underscores HAL’s commitment to meeting deadlines while maintaining quality.
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