SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has ambitious plans for the Tejas MkII fighter jet, aiming to produce at least 120 units before 2036, according to Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) CB Ananthakrishnan. This timeline aligns with the potential retirement of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mirage-2000 and MiG-29UPG fleets by the mid-2030s.
HAL plans a phased production approach, starting with an initial rate of 16 Tejas MkII jets per year from 2029 to 30. This will gradually increase to a targeted production rate of 24 units annually by 2032-33. The entire production run is expected to be completed by 2035-36, meeting the IAF’s potential replacement needs for its ageing fighter jets.
The first Tejas MkII prototype is scheduled for rollout before March 2026, followed by its maiden flight by June 2026. An intensive two-year flight testing program will then be conducted, concluding by late 2028. This rigorous testing phase will pave the way for finalizing a production contract with the IAF.
The Tejas MkII represents a significant advancement for the IAF. This indigenous fighter jet boasts enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Tejas MkI. The planned production timeline aligns with the potential retirement of existing fighter jets, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the IAF’s air combat edge.
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