The Indian Air Force (IAF) is strongly advocating for a faster rollout of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, proposing a significant expansion of the program and a novel approach to manufacturing.
The IAF, which has already committed to purchasing 120 Tejas Mk2s, is now considering an additional 180 jets order with private sector participation, potentially reaching a total of 300 aircraft. This would be dependent on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) approving a plan to involve the private sector in the jet's production.
The Tejas Mk2 is intended to replace the IAF's aging Mirage 2000 and MiG-29UPG fleets, with initial deliveries currently slated for 2034-35. The IAF is a stakeholder and has funded 30% of an estimated 10,000 crore for development cost.
Currently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aerospace company, is responsible for producing all variants of the Tejas. However, HAL's current production capacity is limited to approximately 16-20 aircraft per year.
This rate has struggled to meet the IAF's operational requirements, and also the program has faced some earlier delays. To overcome this, the IAF is proposing a separate production line for the Mk2, led by private sector companies.
The IAF's plan envisions private companies manufacturing at least 60 of the Tejas Mk2 jets. Several prominent Indian firms with growing aerospace capabilities, including Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Reliance Defence, have been identified as potential partners.
This approach aims to utilize the private sector's agility and investment potential to accelerate production, while HAL would continue to focus on design, initial production runs, and the crucial transfer of technology.
The Ministry of Defence's approval is critical for this proposal to proceed. The MoD will need to consider various factors, including the significant financial investment required for an expanded order of 300 jets.
The estimated cost could range from ₹75,000 crore to ₹90,000 crore (approximately $9 billion to $10.8 billion USD), spread over several years. Additionally, the MoD will need to carefully manage HAL's role in the program, balancing its existing responsibilities with the proposed private sector involvement.
Furthermore, the Tejas Mk2 is still under development. Key milestones, including engine integration, avionics testing, and certification, are still ongoing, with the first flight planned in 2026. Any delays in these crucial steps could impact the overall timeline.
Despite these challenges, the IAF's proactive approach to securing future orders indicates strong confidence in the Tejas Mk2 program and aims to encourage early industry participation and investment.
