SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, significant updates regarding the Tejas MkII program were provided to idrw.org by officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These updates highlight key milestones in the aircraft’s development, including the rollout timeline for the first prototype, expected flight dates, and the program’s streamlined path toward production and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Tejas MkII, a more advanced iteration of the Tejas MkI, is progressing well, with the first prototype rollout expected to happen by the end of 2025. The aircraft is currently being assembled, with much of its components like Center fuselage sections have arrived along with its wings. The assembly process is underway, with officials confirming that the aircraft is in the assembly jig, preparing for its final construction stages.
While the first prototype rollout is on schedule for the end of 2025, the first flight has been slightly delayed. Previously, idrw.org had reported that the first flight would take place in March 2026. However, HAL officials clarified that the first flight is now expected to happen by April or May 2026. This delay is not significant, considering the complexity of the aircraft’s systems and the tight coordination required for various subsystems.
HAL has also indicated that it might take over 10 months for the assembly of the first Tejas MkII prototype, given the sheer number of subsystems involved. This timeline is aimed at ensuring the aircraft is ready for its first flight with as many operational systems as possible, thereby improving the overall development speed in the long run.
HAL officials further explained that the Tejas MkII will undergo rigorous testing and integration of its intended systems and subsystems. While the majority of the aircraft’s components and systems will be in place, the integration of some complex systems has caused the assembly process to take longer than initially expected. The aircraft’s systems are being sourced from a vast network of suppliers who are already part of the Tejas MkI ecosystem, ensuring that the components meet the necessary standards.
One of the notable aspects of the Tejas MkII program is the decision to forgo a traditional Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) or Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certification for the aircraft. HAL officials revealed to idrw.org that the Tejas MkII would be cleared for production once it achieves a basic IOC certification. This certification will focus primarily on the basic weapons configuration, including Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs), Close Combat Missiles (CCM), and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM). Once these systems are successfully tested, the aircraft will be handed over to the IAF for further integration of additional weapons systems that the Air Force may want to incorporate.
This approach will allow the aircraft to enter production much faster, reducing the time needed for integration before it is inducted into service. The IAF will take over the responsibility of incorporating more advanced weapons and systems, including inflight refueling trials, which will be handled directly by the Air Force. This transition of responsibilities will help expedite the induction process, ensuring that the Tejas MkII becomes operational as quickly as possible.
The Tejas MkII is a more sophisticated aircraft compared to its predecessor, the Tejas MkI, and features several new technologies and upgrades. These advancements are partly responsible for the slight delay in the first flight but are expected to significantly enhance the aircraft’s capabilities.
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