Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing for a significant expansion in the production of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, anticipating that the final order from the Indian Air Force (IAF) could surpass 200 aircraft.
This development marks a major step forward in India's push for military modernization and self-reliance in the defence sector.
The IAF is preparing to phase out its aging fleets of MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Jaguar jets over the next decade. To fill this critical operational gap, a substantial number of modern aircraft are required.
While the IAF has an initial commitment for 120 Tejas Mk2 jets, the necessity of replacing nearly 230 legacy aircraft from Russian, French, and Anglo-French origins has led HAL to project a much larger final order.
The Tejas Mk2 is engineered as a 4.5-generation, medium-weight multirole combat aircraft, representing a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, the Tejas Mk1A.
Key enhancements include the more powerful General Electric F414 engine, an advanced indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and compatibility with a wider range of sophisticated weaponry, including the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
It is designed to bridge the technological gap between the current generation of fighters and India's future fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project received official sanction from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in September 2022.
To meet the anticipated demand, HAL plans to leverage the infrastructure established for the Tejas Mk1A, which is on track to produce 30 units annually by 2028 from its three assembly lines.
For the Tejas Mk2, the company aims for an initial production rate of 24 jets per year, which would fulfill the committed order of 120 units by 2036.
However, if the order is increased to over 200, HAL is confident it can scale up production to 30 jets annually, allowing it to meet the larger requirement within the same timeframe.
This plan is bolstered by a landmark agreement with General Electric for the licensed manufacturing of the GE F414 engines in India.
The development of the Tejas Mk2 is progressing steadily, with the aircraft's first flight anticipated by 2027 and the commencement of series production targeted for 2031. The successful execution of this program is crucial for maintaining the IAF's combat readiness and force structure.
This ambitious initiative aligns directly with the Indian government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) policy, aiming to boost the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The large-scale production of the Tejas Mk2 is expected to create numerous jobs, advance technological capabilities within India's aerospace industry, and solidify HAL's reputation as a leading global defence manufacturer, potentially opening up future export opportunities.
