SOURCE: AFI
At the pre-Aero India 2025 conference, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) officials revealed critical updates regarding the Tejas MkII program, offering a glimpse into the aircraft’s production timeline and developmental plans. According to the latest details, the Tejas MkII is on track to enter production by late 2028 or early 2029, with a projected order for 120 units to be completed by 2035 or early 2036.
Once the Tejas MkII is fully cleared for production, ADA officials anticipate a production rate of approximately 18 units per year. This rate will likely increase as the production process matures and the required infrastructure is set up. The planned production ramp-up will enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) to gradually phase in the aircraft into its fleet, reinforcing India’s military airpower and reducing its dependence on foreign aircraft.
With 120 units of the Tejas MkII slated for delivery by 2035, the program is expected to be a key part of India’s efforts to modernize and expand its air force over the next decade. The Tejas MkII will likely replace older aircraft in the IAF’s inventory, ensuring that the force remains equipped with modern, advanced, and indigenously developed fighter jets.
The Tejas MkII’s journey to production is set to begin in late 2025 with the rollout of the first prototype. In order to expedite the Tejas MkII’s entry into production, ADA officials confirmed that the aircraft will undergo fast-track developmental trials. These trials will focus on validating key elements of the aircraft’s avionics and flight characteristics, ensuring that the aircraft meets performance specifications before moving into full production.
While ADA will primarily focus on validating the aircraft’s core flight characteristics and avionics, the IAF will take on the responsibility of conducting weapons testing and integration. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the overall testing timeline and streamline the aircraft’s transition to production.
By allowing the IAF to handle the weapons testing, ADA can concentrate on completing the aircraft’s fundamental flight performance and avionics systems, potentially reducing the testing duration and paving the way for faster production clearance.
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