HAL Confirms Early 2025 Rollout of Tejas Mk2 Prototype, Initial Structural Assembly Underway

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed significant progress in the development of the LCA Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, announcing that the prototype is now under construction and on track for an early rollout in the later part of 2025.

This revised timeline, ahead of earlier projections of a March 2026 debut, marks a major milestone in India's indigenous fighter jet program.

Jayadeva EP, Deputy General Manager at HAL, stated that the initial structural assembly of the Tejas Mk2 prototype is already underway. This accelerated development could allow for more extensive pre-flight testing and data collection, potentially ensuring a smoother transition to the first flight, which remains scheduled for March 2026.

The Tejas Mk2 is a significant advancement over its predecessor, the Tejas Mk1. It is designed to boast a more powerful GE-414 engine, advanced radar systems, and increased payload capacity. These enhancements are expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Additional Information​

• GE-414 Engine Deal: The development of the Tejas Mk2 is closely linked to the recent historic deal between India and the US for the GE-414 jet engine. This engine will not only power the Tejas Mk2 but also the twin-engine Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).
• Ambitious Production Plans: HAL has outlined ambitious plans to produce at least 120 Tejas Mk2 fighter jets by 2036. This is anticipated to coincide with the retirement of the IAF's aging Mirage-2000 and MiG-29UPG fleets.

The successful rollout and first flight of the Tejas Mk2 prototype will be pivotal in demonstrating India's growing prowess in aerospace engineering and indigenous defence technology. This achievement could have broader implications for the country's defence capabilities and its role in the global aerospace industry.

 

[bonito]

We dont do that. We dont want to become world's pariah like the Chinese. China's copy paste technique will not work in the long run. It leads to poor work culture - they dont have understanding, lack of innovation, poor quality. They have a "flying thing" in the sky, but is it battle worthy ? Everybody who bought their junk is unhappy. Rumours are even their priced jets are junk.

Solution to our problems is not copy-pasting. We do have our problems but China-model is not the way to go. We have good relations with everyone. Back stabbing them is very bad on all fronts. It would be a self harming exercise. Our problem is lack of efficiency, not lack of capability. they can be addressed in other ways.

So you mean to say all the concept and theories invented by Indians ? The spec for flying objects to this day is invented by westerners. Do you want to say just an implementation of the spec called Tejas is completely Indian ? Do you want to tell the world that all the Knowledge acquired in building an aircraft originated here ?

 

[Philippe Picard]

IAF is not worrying , why we have to.

the expert had spoken...better with the F-16...

 

[Bhishma]

So you mean to say all the concept and theories invented by Indians ? The spec for flying objects to this day is invented by westerners. Do you want to say just an implementation of the spec called Tejas is completely Indian ? Do you want to tell the world that all the Knowledge acquired in building an aircraft originated here ?

My guess is you have no work experience or knowledge on any engineering field ? I responded to "stealing", you talk about " an implementation of the spec " - are they the same thing ?
Seems Chinese economy is doing really bad, we used to get smart wumaos. Now its all stup1d 20-something kids who have no clue what they are talking about.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

ExCept rafale is an Established proven 4th+gen fighter and a twin engine there will not be significant difference between capabilities between those 2. You can complain about it being developed late, but if tejas mk2 comes up with all promised capabilities it will be a good fighter jet which can compete with rafale, j10ce or other 4th plus gen fighters. Stop these fascinations with foreign maal and degrading everything indian. Every tech that rafale has mk2 will have comparable similar capabilities

And about being late every development of this type has always been late, its not making a simple nut or bolt. More we develop these complex products , more developers will learn from their previous mistakes where time was lost, they will correct it in amca or amca mk2.thats how it always has been.

Rafale can carry more internal fuel which means more time in the sky. Rafale can carry more weapons. Rafale has excellent mechanical performance way better than what mk2 may achieve.
Rafale has bleeding edge electronics and avionics - Spectra EW, IRST, TV sensor, infra-red search and track (IRST) system etc. Rafale can supercruise mk2 probably can't. If you don't find it " significant difference" then I can't convince you.

Rafael is flying for decades while mk2 is in prototype stage. HAL is known for their excellent promise fulfilling also. And I'm not degrading Indian product, I always want them to be best. But I also want to be honest. If MK2 achieves what F16 did, I would be happy man.

 

[Dr. Saptarishi Chatterjee]

To all educated and well versed Defense analysts. It is a kind and humble request not to waste your time thinking about Tejas MK1A or MK2 or AMCA ....Reasons are mentioned below

1. In the past 2 years post Ukraine war, Indian Foreign ministry was very vocal about buying Russian Oil, mostly in press conferences which was not so much liked by US. Recent visit by PM Modi ji to Russia was just a Cherry on the top of the cake of "blundering the Foreign policy with US".

2. "You should not be a chooser if you are a beggar" This is an old saying and our Defense industries should focus on this motto. We were planning to Export Tejas MK1A, now we are begging Engines from US.

3. The GE 404/ 414 will never be given to India. Now India is hoping that Trump will come and every thing will be fine...That's not how US administration works. Trump will add extra clauses in selling GE 404/414 engines- You buy F21/F 15 EX then only we will sell you engines...How that's sounds.??..

4. BJP led govt has practically destroyed the defense sector by unnecessary venturing multiple Countries for joint ventures. As of the present no one is interested in India, unless India buys their equipment. No country gives you technology in a platter specially Aviation Industry...The Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme has backfired and as the days pass by more and more questions are being raised.

5. In a whole Tejas, AMCA Arjun, Zorawar all the projects are practically Dead and we have depleting Airforce and Army inventories are getting old day by day. Thanks to out MOD, in not funding properly these projects and hoping to get the brownies from private sectors...

6. The worst part is the AGNIVEER scheme, which has resulted in a weak army e.g- Poorly trained Agniveers getting killed in Jammu...In future, as these soldier will be out of service what do you expect from them- A trained soldier with 20 Lakh in bank account, most likely he will become an outlaw if he doesn't get a job. Who will handle them??

7. Many questions are being raised and as the US Ambassador pointed out " There is no Strategic autonomy in a War". Our Govts failure is not to listen to him as it was a warning to India in an indirect manner- Result- Destabilized Bangladesh.

Its high time to wake up and ask question to the present Govt.

India is far behind western world in Aviation and Defense Industry, and we should accept it rather than depicting a picture that we can challenge any eventualities.... overconfidence can be dangerous.

The present Govt is destroying the defense of the country by compromising in quality and quantity of the equipment and the ground force...