IAF Commits to 120 Tejas Mk2 Jets, with Potential for 250+ to Entirely Replace Aging Jaguar, Mirage, and MiG-29 Fleets by 2040

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made a significant commitment to the Tejas Mk2 program, a cornerstone of India's push for indigenous defence capabilities. According to an IAF official, the service has committed to procuring 120 Tejas Mk2 jets, with the potential for this number to climb to over 250 units within the next decade.

This commitment is part of the IAF's broader strategy to modernize and enhance its combat fleet. The IAF has already placed orders for 220 Tejas Mk1/Mk1A aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with 32 already in service and 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft currently on order. With plans for an additional 97 units, the IAF is set to surpass the 147 units of the HF-24 Marut, India's first indigenous jet fighter.

The Tejas Mk2 will play a crucial role in this modernization effort, eventually replacing the entire fleet of Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 aircraft, which together number over 250. These aging aircraft are being gradually phased out, with a complete replacement plan expected to unfold between 2030 and 2040.

With a firm commitment of 120 units and the potential for orders to reach 250, the Tejas Mk2 is poised to become a core component of the IAF's fleet. Powered by the GE-F414 engine, the Tejas Mk2 is expected to fulfill a wide range of operational requirements, from air superiority and strike missions to close air support and reconnaissance.

Interestingly, there is also potential for the Tejas Mk2 to be equipped with a more powerful 110kN engine in the future, linked to the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's fifth-generation fighter jet program. This engine upgrade could further enhance the Tejas Mk2's performance capabilities.

However, the timeline for this upgrade depends on the availability of the new engine, which is expected to be developed after 2035. Therefore, the Tejas Mk2 may transition to the 110kN engine after the IAF has inducted its initial batch of aircraft, potentially after the initial production phase.

By 2035 to 2040, the IAF's total order for the Tejas Mk2 could significantly increase, ensuring that the aircraft remains a key component of India's air combat capabilities for decades to come. The Tejas Mk2 program represents a major step towards self-reliance in defence technology and is set to play a vital role in the IAF's future.

 

[ajitnkby]

They must expedite AMCA along with LCA mk2. Late development of AMCA would mean more number of 4th gen platforms and lesser number of 5th gen platforms.

We Indians are assuming that US is waiting for our orders. The GE 404 & 414 are the best engines in the world and Trumph ACE is in the hands of US. With Boeing in shit street, US is wanting to leverage sale of engines. They clearly want India to purchase/manufacture F-18s or improved F-16. If we dont want any of these two US Fighters, we are not getting any Engines. This is the leverage and its critical since India is competent in composit material air frame and avionics.There will be reasons given by the US for delays which India will have to lump.
Engines have been the critical item needed for our designed fighters. We have Kaveri but cannot make Air frame light enough to use it to acheive requiref targets. Only GE engines are capable. This finesse cannot be acheived by India in near future. By the time we develope the very expensive engine our Squadron strength will be reduced and even Pakistan A F will be difficult.
1. Buy the Gen 5 fighters from US to maintain semblence of a fighting Air Force.
2. Produce vry large number of missiles and keep them all lalong the border for defence / attack
3. Get enough number of AWACs ( Pak has more numbers than us..
4.Continue Engine research for Gen Vl fighters.