SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant step towards bolstering India’s indigenous fighter jet capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making steady progress on the Tejas Mk2, the next-generation variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Speaking to Flightglobal, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil revealed that the production of key components for the Tejas Mk2 is well underway, with sub-assemblies such as wings and fuselage currently in progress. The state-owned airframer is targeting a rollout of the first prototype in the first quarter of 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
“[Tejas Mk2] parts are being manufactured, and we are now into sub-assemblies, with [production of] the wings and fuselage going on,” Sunil told Flightglobal. The first Tejas Mk2 is expected to be rolled out between January and March 2026, at which point the aircraft will be powered on, and ground checks will commence. HAL anticipates the aircraft’s maiden flight later in 2026, a critical step towards validating its design and performance.
The Tejas Mk2, an advanced iteration of the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A, is designed to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) evolving operational requirements. With enhanced capabilities and modern systems, the Mk2 is poised to replace ageing platforms like the Sepecat Jaguar and Dassault Mirage 2000 in the 2035–2040 timeframe.
Sunil described the Tejas Mk2 as a “more digital aircraft” compared to its predecessors, highlighting HAL’s adoption of cutting-edge digital manufacturing techniques. Unlike earlier variants that relied on physical drawings, the Mk2 leverages 3D digital renderings of systems and components. This approach enhances precision and accelerates production. After components are manufactured, laser scanning ensures they align perfectly with the digital model, improving accuracy and reducing production time.
“There are a lot of new technologies in the way we transfer [designs] to manufacturing,” Sunil noted. “The accuracy has improved and the speed.” These advancements reflect HAL’s push to modernize its production processes, aligning with global aerospace manufacturing standards and supporting India’s Make in India initiative.
However, Sunil acknowledged that the Tejas Mk2 currently lacks a ‘digital twin’—a virtual model used for real-time testing and simulation. Developing a digital twin requires vast amounts of highly accurate data, and while HAL has established its own data cloud to support this capability, the technology is still in progress. The eventual integration of a digital twin could further enhance the Mk2’s development and maintenance processes.
The Tejas Mk2 is designed to be a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, offering improved range, payload, and avionics compared to the Mk1 and Mk1A. It is expected to play a critical role in the IAF’s modernization plans, gradually phasing out older aircraft like the Jaguar and Mirage 2000, which have undergone extensive upgrades to remain operational. Sunil expressed confidence that New Delhi will place an order for “at least eight squadrons” of the Tejas Mk2, translating to approximately 100–130 aircraft. This substantial order would significantly boost HAL’s production lines and reinforce the IAF’s reliance on indigenous platforms.
While the IAF has yet to formally commit to the Mk2, the anticipated order reflects growing confidence in HAL’s ability to deliver a capable and reliable fighter jet. The Mk2’s development aligns with India’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign imports and strengthen its domestic defence industry.
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