SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has provided an update on the timeline for the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program. According to Ananthakrishnan, the first deliveries of the Tejas Mk2 to the Indian Air Force (IAF) are expected by the end of 2029. This schedule hinges on the successful completion of key development milestones.
The first Tejas Mk2 prototype is currently planned to roll out by the end of 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for 2026. Following this, the aircraft will undergo a rigorous developmental flight test program lasting approximately 2-3 years. This extensive testing phase is crucial for ensuring the aircraft’s performance and airworthiness before production can begin.
As previously reported by idrw.org, the Tejas Mk2’s initial operational capability will have limitations in its air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. The IAF will handle the majority of the integration and validation of more advanced weapons for the aircraft.
The IAF has a long-term vision for the Tejas Mk2. They aim to procure a total of 200 Mk2 jets to completely replace their ageing fleets of Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29UPG aircraft by 2040. This large-scale acquisition will significantly bolster the IAF’s air combat capabilities with a next-generation, indigenous fighter jet.
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