HAL Confirms Tejas Mk2 Structural Assembly Progressing Smoothly, Reinforces A Steadfast Commitment to 2026 Prototype Rollout

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially confirmed that the structural assembly of the first Tejas Mk2 prototype is proceeding as planned.

The announcement underscores a firm commitment to rolling out the advanced aircraft by 2026, a significant step forward in India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

The update was provided by HAL's Chairman, Dr. DK Sunil, during the Paris Air Show.

The Tejas Mk2 is being developed as a more capable, medium-weight successor to the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

This next-generation fighter is designed with significant upgrades, including a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, which will enable it to carry a larger payload of up to 6,500 kg.

Further enhancements include a longer airframe, close-coupled canards for improved aerodynamic performance, and an advanced indigenous avionics suite, featuring the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a sophisticated electronic warfare system.

This ambitious project holds immense strategic value for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Tejas Mk2 is slated to replace the aging fleets of Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29 fighter jets, thereby modernising India's aerial combat assets.

The development, which received official sanction from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), is crucial for maintaining a technological edge and bolstering national air defence.

The successful progression of the Tejas Mk2 is a testament to the collaborative efforts within India's defence ecosystem.

The project is led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) as the lead designer, with HAL serving as the principal partner for manufacturing. This synergy is pivotal in achieving the program's objectives and strengthening India's goal of self-reliance in critical defence technology.

 

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[Mayank393]

At next year’s airshow, they’ll proudly announce that ‘progress is steady’—as always—and HAL will definitely roll out the aircraft in 2027… just like they’ve been saying every year. What’s another delay when you’ve mastered the art of moving deadlines instead of aircraft?

 

[AJS]

“Steadfast commitment”… we have heard that before. HAL has no problem lying through its teeth. Even after the IAF chief administered a shameful public dressing down HAL keeps releasing these unbelievable false promises that they cannot keep due to their incompetence and lack of accountability or commitment, as proven many times over the decades.

Tejas 2 is a matter of vital importance for India’s national security and will be the actual culmination of the indigenous effort to build a fighter (Tejas 1 / 1A represent only a very limited success as they are underpowered and lack range & endurance). Government should ensure that Tejas 2 does not fall victim to HAL’s sloth. Roping in the private sector to build at least half of the projected numbers of Tejas 2 is essential, to secure our skies and also to improve the quality of our aerospace industry.

 

[Shankar]

LCA tejas mk 2 should be limited production only to meet immediate requirement for next 5 years to 10 years. But all efforts should be to make the LCA to 5th generation fighter and all efforts to scale up technology innovations should be the primary goal and get the necessary stealth technology. Why not get brilliant IIT graduate and make a top notch team and pay adequate compensation to bring innovation to this field. It's a matter of pride for us.

 

[bks78]

Tejas MK2 prototype supposed to be ready by December 2025. Then HAL said it will be ready by March 2026. Now HAL is saying different date. Warning should be given to HAL.

 

[FROST]

I request HAL not to give ball to ball commentary but rollout the prototype atleast with armaments and show its worth. All talk and no result. Where is the Tejas plane

 

[FROST]

Tejas MK2 prototype supposed to be ready by December 2025. Then HAL said it will be ready by March 2026. Now HAL is saying different date. Warning should be given to HAL.

No use. HAL is Pappu 's favourite

 

[Shankar]

We need to create a good competitors to HAL to show them their place.

 

[SDas]

HAL is a typical India government enterprise hidden under red tape web.
All these propaganda news are just to increase it's Stock market value nothing else.
Shift future orders to Bluechip Private companies for real Atmanirbharta.

 

[Shankar]

HAL committed to deliver LCA mark 1A long ago and not a single AC was on sight. Air chief was very blunt and rightly so. Such organisations do not understand the operational needs of forces . We need to create adequate competition like in automativ industry

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

HAL se IAF ka HAL (Hindi) bura ho gaya hai. We cannot put countries territory at stake for Atmanirbhar mission completion. Time and again it is proven that neither HAL nor DRDO has delivered to their commitment. My view will be before building any rosy and glorified air frames concentrate on Atmanirbhar jet engine as air frames without engines are just costly junk that we are running to produce. And now our approach should be building 6th gen jet time for 5th gen will be gone when our will be ready. At present take the 5th gen jet that is on offer to strengthen our IAF, F35 with all US control only flown by IAF and absolutely no sanctions anymore in a sarcastic sense and all the glorious deals with Daddy Trump for our GOI seems to be best possible outcome in sarcastic sense will be done. Defense secretary Mr. Singh and his baseless comment of not formally thinking on the 5th gen offer was ridiculously over ambitious. There seems to be many goal posts that we are trying to hit at present, just focus on priority jet engine to give more than 150kn thrust and 6th gen air frame. Let Tejas 1 & 2 (no optimism remain) come at the will and wish of our own pride of nation GE engine.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

At next year’s airshow, they’ll proudly announce that ‘progress is steady’—as always—and HAL will definitely roll out the aircraft in 2027… just like they’ve been saying every year. What’s another delay when you’ve mastered the art of moving deadlines instead of aircraft?

That is the difference between India and China, the farsightedness China has is missing the ambitious and the speed with which they work makes the difference. In India time is spent on discussions and movement of files from one department to other. Though not in good terms with India we have to learn from them as to how fast work should be performed.

 

[Shankar]

Why do we need to go for mk 2 version when you have not achieved complete indigenisation in mk 1. Putting all programs where ever there is imported items in geopardy from countries which they can stop is not a good one to consider.