HAL Adjusts LCA Mk-2 Rollout Target to March 2026, Pushing Back Maiden Flight

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the powerhouse behind India's aerospace advancements, has revised its target for the rollout of the first LCA Mk-2 fighter jet prototype. During their recent Q4 FY2023-24 earnings conference call, HAL confirmed aiming for a March 2026 debut, slightly later than earlier projections of a 2025 maiden flight.

Previously, Prabhulla Chandran VK, director of avionics and weapon systems at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) – the agency responsible for designing the LCA Mk-2 – had hinted at a possible 2025 maiden flight if the jet was equipped with an American engine. However, HAL's updated timeline suggests a minor postponement.

While the exact reasons behind the adjusted timeline remain unclear, several factors could contribute to such changes. Developing a new aircraft prototype is a complex process, often involving unforeseen technical challenges, integration of advanced technologies, and intricate testing phases. Any of these factors could necessitate schedule adjustments.

Despite the slight delay, the March 2026 target reaffirms HAL's commitment to delivering this advanced fighter jet, which is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities. The LCA Mk-2 promises a host of upgrades over its predecessor, including a more powerful engine, enhanced avionics, and increased payload capacity.

While we await further updates on the LCA Mk-2's development, this news highlights the intricacies and challenges inherent in aerospace engineering. The project's progress will undoubtedly be closely followed by defense enthusiasts and industry experts alike, as the LCA Mk-2 represents a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in defense technology.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

What are you talking lie about production capacity of HAL. HAL has opened third unit in nasik and total capacity of
HAL is 24 jets annually.

But it produces only 3-4 jets/year so doesn't matter what their claimed capacity is.

 

[Akshat]

The only way to get that many number of jets is to buy the cheapest foreign 4th gen jet possible F21/Gripen, made by a private company, we could even buy 228 jets instead of just 114.

Yes, the cheapest jet Rafale must be bought.

 

[Akshat]

No need of MRFA or foreign jets or watches, finally great news MWF MK2 is arriving soon.

Great news that it is further delayed?

 

[Akshat]

What are you talking lie about production capacity of HAL. HAL has opened third unit in nasik and total capacity of
HAL is 24 jets annually.

But they made only 5 last year.

 

[Akshat]

if MRFA then we should get some jet that is < 100Mln made by Private company within 3 years otherwise just increase HAL’s capacity and mass produce MK2, , we shouldn’t spend $35-$40Bln to buy a 4th gen jet, may be we can buy 2-3 squadrons of F15’s for backup in the worst case.

But HAL can’t do it. So either MEFA or a private company making Tejas. Mk2 ain’t coming in this decade or the next,

 

[Akshat]

We have very good eco system for SU-30/SU-35, MIG-29/MIG-35 more than that for Rafale.

But IAF don’t want those. Else they could have just ordered directly instead of MRFA.

 

[Avesh]

No need of MRFA or foreign jets or watches, finally great news MWF MK2 is arriving soon.

I am going to conduct a quiz here, Could some one come up with a Total Count of Rafale Dallah’s based on their posting in this article, in some cases one Dallah is under multiple names, there are sone secret Rafale Dallah’s, there are some open Dallah’s, there are well known Dallah’s., all kind of Dallah’s.

 

[Sarthak Singh]

Yes spending $40Bln on a 4th gen jet is just ridiculous when some countries are flying 5th and 6th gen jets, chinese have more than 200 J20’s, they will soon start making FC-31 which is even more stealthier, Pakis will soon get those jets when we will be flying 4th gen tech, we should just buy the cheapest 4th gen tech and invest the money on AMCA.

bruh no country is flying 6th gen jets . 5th gen game out 20 yrs ago and still only 3 countries have it . it will take another 20-30yrs for 6th gen jets

 

[Pink Panther]

Yes, the cheapest jet Rafale must be bought.

Yes 50 for $20Bln.

 

[Pink Panther]

Great news that it is further delayed?

It will be in production in another 5 years before we get our first Rafale in 10 years even if they are ordered tomorrow.

 

[bonito]

What are you talking lie about production capacity of HAL. HAL has opened third unit in nasik and total capacity of
HAL is 24 jets annually.

No. Just a couple of day back a article said they are planning to start 3rd plant for Tejas by Sep this year.

 

[bonito]

1st it was 2024 year 100% surely will fly; den 2025 and now it is 2026.. Also, MK1A deliveries will be delayed once again due to Astra1 certifications in-flight firing trials..

No. Astra integration is not a problem. Out of 8 trainers only 5 delivered from earlier 40 order. IAF insists to complete trainers at the earliest from the second order of 10. As per HAL plan 10 trainers from second order are scheduled for 2025-26 only. Since 1A is delayed they are planning to start manufacturing of trainers 1st.

 

[Akshat]

Yes 50 for $20Bln.

Whatever the price, it will still be the cheapest jet that can meet our requirements

 

[Akshat]

It will be in production in another 5 years before we get our first Rafale in 10 years even if they are ordered tomorrow.

You mean like how they rolled it out in 2022 as per the promise? Unlike Rafale which promises to start deliveries in just 36 months under any circumstances.

 

[Pink Panther]

Whatever the price, it will still be the cheapest jet that can meet our requirements

$335Mln is not cheapest, $85Mln is cheapest.

 

[Pink Panther]

You mean like how they rolled it out in 2022 as per the promise? Unlike Rafale which promises to start deliveries in just 36 months under any circumstances.

There are 382 order Backlog. You can calculate 6/Year = 63 years

 

[RalphRearden]

MArk my words...IAF will have first 16 MK2 inducted not a day before Dec 31 2032

 

[Avesh]

But IAF don’t want those. Else they could have just ordered directly instead of MRFA.

IAF want Rafale watch and retirement bonus, we can’t get everything IAF wants.

 

[Avesh]

bruh no country is flying 6th gen jets . 5th gen game out 20 yrs ago and still only 3 countries have it . it will take another 20-30yrs for 6th gen jets

US will soon be flying 6th gen jet, they have twi programs close to production B21 Raider and NGAD.

 

[Anant]

We have very good eco system for SU-30/SU-35, MIG-29/MIG-35 more than that for Rafale.

1. If we really wanted the Su-35, we could save a bunch of money by simply going for modernised Su-30MKIs instead. In any case, getting more Su-30MKIs would disturb our force structure very adversely. Oh, and the Su-35 isn't cheap by any stretch.

2. The MiG-35 is a repackaged MiG-29 that has never been in the contention besides being in the running on paper. Would you want to buy a F-16 Block 30/32 today if you had the chance?