SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious Tejas MkII program has taken a major leap forward in stealth technology, according to Dr. V. Madhusudana Rao, the Project Director of the Mk 2 programme at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). In a recent statement, Rao revealed that the frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the Tejas MkII is just one-fourth that of its predecessor, the Tejas MkI, marking a substantial improvement in the aircraft’s ability to evade radar detection.
“If the Tejas MkI has a frontal RCS of X square meters, the Tejas MkII achieves an RCS of just one-fourth of X,” Rao explained. This reduction is a testament to the meticulous design overhaul undertaken by the ADA and its partners, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The MkII incorporates radar-absorbent materials (RAM), composite-heavy construction (making up 90% of its surface area), and redesigned airframe features like twisted air-intake ducts and close-coupled canards—all aimed at minimizing its radar signature from the front. While the aircraft is not a full stealth fighter, this improvement in frontal RCS enhances its survivability against enemy radar systems, a key advantage in modern air combat.
The significance of this upgrade cannot be overstated. A lower RCS makes the Tejas MkII harder to detect, track, and target, particularly in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, where stealth plays a pivotal role. Rao’s revelation aligns with posts on X, where defense enthusiasts have noted that the MkII’s design has been “ground up” for stealth, distinguishing it as a near-new aircraft compared to the MkI. This aligns with its reclassification as a Medium Weight Fighter, reflecting its larger airframe, increased payload capacity of 6,500 kg, and the powerful GE F414 engine delivering 98 kN of thrust.
Under Rao’s leadership, the Tejas MkII program has also prioritized modularity, enabling faster production rates. “The MkII’s highly modular design allows HAL to potentially produce up to 25 aircraft per year,” Rao stated, highlighting the program’s focus on scalability to meet both domestic and export demands. With assembly lines already scaling up—HAL aims for a capacity of 24 aircraft annually across three production lines—this modularity could position India as a competitive player in the global fighter jet market.
The Tejas MkII’s development has not been without challenges. Delays in the delivery of the GE F414 engines have pushed timelines, with the first prototype rollout now expected in 2025 and the maiden flight targeted for late 2025 or early 2026. However, Rao remains optimistic. Speaking at Aero India 2025, he noted that over 55% of the prototype’s components, including the wings and forward fuselage, are already manufactured, with the center and rear sections nearing completion. The project, backed by ?10,000 crore sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2022, aims to conclude R&D by December 2027, with operational availability slated for 2028.
This stealth enhancement also complements the MkII’s advanced avionics suite, including the indigenous Uttam AESA radar, an infrared search and track (IRST) system, and a unified electronic warfare suite. With a mission endurance of 120 minutes—double that of the MkI—and the ability to carry eight BVR missiles, the Tejas MkII is poised to replace aging IAF platforms like the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 while offering export potential to over 16 interested countries.
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 DMCA and Legal Notices.