SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has set a target to commence production of the Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet in five years. The confirmation comes from HAL’s Chief, CB Ananthakrishnan, who revealed that the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL are collaborating to roll out pre-production Tejas Mk-2 aircraft by the end of 2024. The first flight of this advanced fighter is planned for 2025.
India has allocated ?10,000 crore for the Tejas Mk-2 program, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) has committed to acquiring 120 of these jets. The objective is to replace the aging fleet of Mig-29UPG and Jaguar Darin-III Strike aircraft, with the process expected to begin in 2030-34. Additionally, the IAF plans to phase out 50 Mirage-2000H fighter jets from its fleet starting in 2035, gradually integrating the Tejas Mk-2.
The Tejas Mk-2 offers a range of advancements, including improved range, higher payload capacity, enhanced radar capability, superior avionics, advanced electronics, increased survivability, and better situational awareness for pilots. It is designed with network-centric capabilities, enabling rapid role-switching to address various mission requirements.
This 17.5-tonne fighter jet boasts a maximum speed of 1.8 Mach, a notable increase compared to the 13.5-tonne LCA Mk-1A, which has a top speed of 1.6 Mach. The Tejas Mk-2’s payload capacity is an impressive 6.5 tons, equipping it for a diverse range of missions and ensuring its effectiveness in bolstering India’s air defense capabilities. As it progresses through development and production, the Tejas Mk-2 stands as a crucial element in India’s modernization and strengthening of its air force.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DCMA and Legal Notices.