SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Tejas MkII program, a cornerstone of India’s push for indigenous defence capabilities, has received a firm commitment from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the procurement of 120 jets. According to an IAF official who spoke to idrw.org, this commitment is expected to not only break the 200-unit mark but could potentially extend to as many as 250 units over the course of the next decade.
The IAF’s commitment to the Tejas MkII comes as part of its larger strategy to modernize and enhance its combat fleet. The IAF has already placed firm orders for 220 Tejas Mk1/Mk1A aircraft from HAL, with 32 units already inducted into service. In addition to these, 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft are currently on order, and a further 97 units are planned. With Tejas MkI and MkIA deliveries ongoing, the IAF is well on its way to surpassing the 147 units of the HF-24 Marut (India’s first indigenous jet), which were produced over almost two decades.
The Tejas MkII will be an integral part of this effort, replacing the entire fleet of Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 aircraft, which together number more than 250 units. These aircraft are being gradually phased out, with a complete replacement plan set to unfold between 2030 and 2040.
With a firm commitment of 120 units already on the table and the prospect of orders growing to 250 units over the coming years, the Tejas MkII will become a core component of the IAF’s fleet. The aircraft is expected to meet a broad spectrum of operational requirements, from air superiority and strike missions to close air support and reconnaissance, thanks to its advanced design and powerful GE-F414 engine.
While the Tejas MkII is set to be powered by the GE-F414 engine, there is also potential for the aircraft to be equipped with a much more powerful 110kN engine in the future. This upgrade is linked to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, India’s ambitious project for a fifth-generation fighter jet. The Tejas MkII is seen as a candidate for this more powerful engine, which would further enhance its performance capabilities.
However, the timeline for this upgrade depends on when the new engine becomes available. Given that the AMCA program is expected to take shape after 2035, the Tejas MkII may undergo an engine switch to the 110kN engine after the IAF has inducted its first batch of aircraft. This shift would take place over time, potentially after the initial production phase and once the IAF has successfully integrated the Tejas MkII into its operational fleet. By the time 2035 to 2040 rolls around, the IAF’s total order for the Tejas MkII could swell significantly, ensuring that the aircraft remains a key part of India’s air combat capabilities for decades to come.
The Tejas MkII is on track to become one of the most significant players in the Indian Air Force’s fleet over the next two decades. With a commitment to procure 120 aircraft, and potentially as many as 250 units, the Tejas MkII will play a crucial role in replacing the IAF’s ageing fleet of Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 aircraft.
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