SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Former DRDO Chief, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, speaking at the Emerging Technologies in Defence event hosted by the Madras Management Association in Chennai, confirmed that the rollout of the Tejas MkII fighter jet is progressing as planned. According to Dr. Reddy, the rollout is scheduled to take place between September and October 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense aviation program.
The Tejas MkII is the next-generation iteration of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, designed to bridge the gap between the existing Tejas MkI/MkIA variants and India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
According to a report by idrw.org, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to conduct the first flight of the Tejas MkII before March 2026. Taxi trials, a critical phase in preparing the aircraft for flight, are expected to commence shortly after the rollout. These trials will be conducted over a span of three to four months, ensuring that all systems are rigorously tested before the aircraft takes to the skies.
The Tejas MkII is poised to play a pivotal role in modernizing the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. With aging platforms like the Jaguar, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000 nearing the end of their operational lives, the MkII is expected to fill the critical gap in the medium-weight fighter category.
The aircraft will also bring enhanced operational flexibility, with its ability to carry a diverse array of weapons, including beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, precision-guided munitions, and air-to-ground weaponry. Additionally, its advanced avionics suite and superior electronic warfare capabilities will provide the IAF with a technological edge in complex operational scenarios.
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