Significant progress is being made on India's indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program, with assembly of the first aircraft now reportedly exceeding 60 percent completion. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace and defence company manufacturing the aircraft, is pushing forward to meet a target rollout date by the end of October 2025.
This development represents a crucial step in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) initiative, aimed at providing the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a domestically developed 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft. Sources indicate that efforts are currently concentrated on integrating complex systems usually added during the final phases of aircraft construction.
HAL personnel have indicated that the integration work underway primarily involves sophisticated avionics, electronic warfare (EW) suites, and other key subsystems. These components form the technological core of the aircraft, enabling its advanced combat capabilities.
Notable systems include the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, modern cockpit displays, and systems facilitating the integration of a wider range of weaponry. The objective is to have a fully assembled aircraft ready by October 2025, preparing it for the subsequent testing phases.
In a departure from common practice for major defence milestones, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the primary design agency, plans a subdued unveiling for the Tejas Mk2. Officials have clarified that there will be no large-scale ceremonial rollout event involving dignitaries or extensive media coverage.
This practical approach prioritizes maintaining the project's schedule and focusing resources on achieving technical and operational readiness without the potential delays associated with public ceremonies.
Once assembly is complete around late October 2025, the Tejas Mk2 prototype will undergo comprehensive ground-level testing. This critical phase involves meticulous checks of all major systems, verifying the functionality and integration of the General Electric F414 engine, hydraulic systems, electrical networks, and the newly installed avionics.
Following successful ground checks, the aircraft will proceed to taxi trials, encompassing both low-speed and high-speed tests on the runway. These trials validate ground handling and system performance before flight. HAL and ADA are aiming for the Tejas Mk2's first flight to occur by the end of March 2026, reflecting the importance placed on timely delivery for the IAF's fleet modernization.
The Tejas Mk2, often referred to as a Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), is expected to significantly enhance the IAF's combat potential. Designed to offer substantial improvements over the earlier Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants, it boasts increased range, a higher payload capacity, and superior avionics.
Key features include aerodynamic canards for improved agility, a more powerful engine providing greater thrust, and an advanced sensor suite, likely including an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system for passive target detection.
The aircraft is intended to eventually replace several aging fleets currently in IAF service, including the Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft, the MiG-29 air superiority fighter, and the Mirage 2000 multi-role fighter, thereby strengthening India's air defence capabilities.
