HAL to Deliver 120 Tejas MkII Jets to IAF by 2036: Production to Begin from 2029 with 16 Jets Annually

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced ambitious plans to manufacture at least 120 Tejas MkII fighter jets by 2036, according to Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) CB Ananthakrishnan.

The timeline aligns with the potential retirement of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) aging Mirage-2000 and MiG-29UPG fleets, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the IAF's air combat capabilities.

HAL's production strategy involves a phased approach, beginning with an initial rate of 16 Tejas MkII jets per year from 2029 to 2030. This rate will progressively increase to 24 units annually by 2032-2033, with the entire production run expected to be completed by 2035-2036.

The Tejas MkII, an advanced iteration of the indigenous Tejas MkI, represents a significant leap forward for the IAF. It boasts enhanced capabilities, including greater range, payload capacity, and maneuverability. Additionally, it will feature state-of-the-art avionics and weapons systems.

The first Tejas MkII prototype is slated for rollout before March 2026, with its maiden flight planned for June 2026. A comprehensive two-year flight testing program will follow, culminating in late 2028. The successful completion of this rigorous testing phase will pave the way for finalizing a production contract with the IAF.

This ambitious production plan underscores HAL's commitment to strengthening India's indigenous defense capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign imports. The Tejas MkII is poised to play a pivotal role in modernizing the IAF's fighter fleet, ensuring its continued air superiority in the years to come.

 

[Akshat]

i remember in 2019 aero india HAL chairman boasted of having Mk2 rollout in 2 years (by 2021) and as per him work has already started on the actual prototype(no mention on fund clearance etc). But as usual these thick skins are shameless.
HAL produce massive profits every year, some one should ask where do they spend such profits and always beg IAF to even integrate a simple missile to tejas.

I don't remember the 2019 statement. But it seems his standard reply is 2 years. 🤣🤣In 2014 he said 2 years. In 2016 he said 2 years. In 2019 and then in 2021 he said 2 years. And even right now he is saying 2 years.

 

[Fresh Water]

For those who think the plan is too ambitious, must look at China.

 

[RalphRearden]

Not happening in the whole next decade bro. (Assuming HAL and ADA are still in charge of the project and there are no major reforms or privatization in these entities).

Atleast we agree that its not happening by 2032.....well i am elated cos this is probably the first time we agreed on anything over the past 2 years across numerous posts! Cheers as I find intelligent discussion being informative to everyone!

 

[Deepak Hegde]

The Chinese jets are not actual stealth jets and their capability are much lower than what they claim. Also they can’t start a war because we have nuclear weapons and unless they want to destroy their own country they won’t start a war.

India is already developing a proper 5.5th generation jet with the AMCA and it will fly in a few years time.

Few years , yeah of course.... All know you mean few decades !

 

[Anant]

Very Good News. If all goes well then By 2036 (220 Tejas MK1A+120 Tejas MK2) More than 300 Fighter jets will b added .plus some Jets From MRFA.

By 2036, we might have 200-ish Tejas Mk 1/1As and some 60-ish Tejas Mk 2s. That, mind you, is the best case scenario unless HAL can pull off some miracles within the next year or two.

 

[Anant]

HAL no 1 in planning.

'No. 1' in planning, and 'No one' in execution.

 

[Anurag]

Nope. MoD funded it. Ajai Shukla had given a detailed break down of it.

I am not quoting any amount buddy. I am just saying that HAL made a commitment. So whatever funds it would have asked for would have been provided. Whatever studies were required were done. Or else they openly lied and bluffed their way. Have your pick. Either way HAL is to be bashed and blamed.

Well I agree with you on that part I don't like the working culture of hal or any other giv backed companies but showing very little or just fine intrest in the Tejas mk-2 program is equally on mod too!! The way this program was treated is also not good!! If things were planned in a better way then conclusion of MRFA tender and Tejas mk-2 both were flying in the Indian sky and I love to watch them!!

 

[Akshat]

Well I agree with you on that part I don't like the working culture of hal or any other giv backed companies but showing very little or just fine intrest in the Tejas mk-2 program is equally on mod too!! The way this program was treated is also not good!! If things were planned in a better way then conclusion of MRFA tender and Tejas mk-2 both were flying in the Indian sky and I love to watch them!!

Bhai my point is that HAL asked for that amount and MoD gave that amount. IAF/MoD had also committed to 200+ planes. I don't think they can show any more interest. As for MRFA, I think the whole of MoD fell for HAL's promises. They really were waiting for Mk2 in 2022.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

It is possible, but only if plane flies perfectly from get go that IS AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE HIGH STANDARD TO MEET, AND FURTHER THESE TESTING ARE THERE TO MAKE BETTER AND REfINE FLIGHT CONTROL LAWS as plane has canards. So, five years is an more likely time line. Further these planes have sensor fusion, AI and so need lots more testing. If M0di government is determined to do then possible.

Two years is too good to believe. Hope I am wrong.

 

[Pad UwU]

We are talking about the production of a 4.5 gen warplane when the chinese would be bringing in gen 6. Its time to bite the bullet and plan for gen 5 and gen 6. Make in India for fighter craft can planned for the long run, immediate requirements of the air force will have to met by off the shelf purchases. Unless this is done Indian Air force will be facing chinese fighters that will outrange, out maneuver , and without being detected simply annihilate us... TOT if possible can be obtained in parallel while procuring these fighters

GoI is still obsess of 4.5gen aircraft.... That's the bureaucrats and the generals in air force and navy don't want to explore of future planning to join GCAP Tempest or forming a research group....
But don't worry we still have our hopes for the overspec paper only AMCA that HAL is hyping around until they show us a real working prototype by the end of the decade 😅🙃

 

[GMR]

HAL's gear is always up, but nobody steps on the accelerator 🤣🤣

 

[Avesh]

GoI is still obsess of 4.5gen aircraft.... That's the bureaucrats and the generals in air force and navy don't want to explore of future planning to join GCAP Tempest or forming a research group....
But don't worry we still have our hopes for the overspec paper only AMCA that HAL is hyping around until they show us a real working prototype by the end of the decade 😅🙃

IAF too is obsessed with $300Mln 4th gen aircraft.

 

[Sandeep]

Few years , yeah of course.... All know you mean few decades !

It will take its first flight in a few years as we are already manufacturing the prototype