India Should Have Ordered Tejas Mk2 Over 97 Additional Tejas Mk1A for Long-Term Operational Needs, Asserts Ex-IAF Chief

A former head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.), has stated his personal belief that India should have pursued the more advanced Tejas Mk2 fighter jet instead of the recently approved purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

In a recent interview, he argued that the superior capabilities of the Mk2 are better suited for the nation's long-term security challenges.

This perspective comes as the Ministry of Defence has formally approved the acquisition of the 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets, a deal valued at approximately ₹62,000 crore ($7.3 billion), which is expected to be officially signed by March 2026.

The Superior Capabilities of the Tejas Mk2​

The Tejas Mk2 is engineered as a next-generation evolution of the original Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), placing it in the 4.5-generation category of multi-role fighters.

Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it features significant enhancements over the Mk1A.

Key upgrades include:

• Engine and Power: The Mk2 is equipped with a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, producing 98 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, compared to the 84 kN from the Mk1A’s F404 engine.
• Size and Payload: It possesses a larger frame, allowing it to carry a much heavier payload of 6,500 kg, a substantial increase from the Mk1A's 3,500 kg capacity.
• Operational Range: These improvements give the Mk2 a combat range of 2,500 km, far exceeding the 1,850 km range of the Mk1A.

These advancements enable the Tejas Mk2 to perform a wider variety of missions, including deep-penetration strikes and air superiority roles, with greater endurance and weapon-carrying ability.

Advanced Systems and Future-Proofing​

Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria highlighted the Mk2's advanced electronics and weapon systems as critical for future combat scenarios.

The aircraft is designed to feature the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which has a higher number of transmit/receive modules for better detection capabilities than the Israeli radar used in the initial Mk1A batches.

Furthermore, the Mk2 will integrate a domestically developed electronic warfare suite, the Swayam Raksha Kavach, offering superior self-protection capabilities.

According to the former Air Chief, investing in the Mk2 platform would have better addressed the IAF's urgent need to modernise its fleet and counter the advanced aircraft being operated by regional adversaries, such as China's J-20 and Pakistan's JF-17 Block III.

The IAF is currently operating with approximately 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5, a gap that is widening as older aircraft like the MiG-21 are retired.

The Tejas Mk2, with its enhanced thrust-to-weight ratio and integration of technologies that serve as a bridge to the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), represents a more "future-proof" investment for Indian air power.

Government's Rationale: Addressing Immediate Needs​

Despite the compelling advantages of the Tejas Mk2, the government's decision, approved on August 19, 2025, prioritises a pragmatic approach to quickly bolster the IAF's squadron numbers.

The Tejas Mk1A is already in production, with HAL having an established assembly line ready to ramp up manufacturing. The company is expected to deliver the first few of an earlier order of 83 Mk1A jets this year and plans to scale production to between 24 and 36 aircraft annually by 2026.

In contrast, the Tejas Mk2 is still in its developmental phase. Its prototype is scheduled for its first flight by early 2025, but serial production is unlikely to commence before 2028-29, following a rigorous testing and certification period.

By ordering more Mk1A jets, the Ministry of Defence aims to fill immediate operational gaps and ensure that the air force can maintain its combat readiness.

The combined orders of 180 Tejas Mk1A jets (83 plus the new 97) will eventually equip ten IAF squadrons, significantly strengthening the nation's indigenous lightweight fighter fleet while the more advanced Mk2 and AMCA programmes continue to mature.

 

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[sanket]

Exactly what I said earlier, Tejas MK2 with better combat radius, payload capacity, and much better features and tech than Tejas MK1A. Anyway, IAF should at least order 300-plus Tejas MK2, combining the Tejas MK1A fleet of 220 and 300-plus Tejas MK2 for over 525. That will make more than 50% indigenous fighter strength before AMCA induction.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Tejas Mk2 will have its first flight around 2027. Prototype testing, user approvals, weapon integration and testing, etc., will take at least 5–6 years. Negotiations and order approval will take at least one more year (if expedited). From there, 3–4 years for the rollout of aircraft. So, waiting for Tejas Mk2 will not be very prudent. It is good to order additional Tejas Mk1A to fill up the numbers. During mid-life upgrades, try to increase the length of Tejas Mk1A by 0.5m for additional fuel.

 

[Shawnone India]

Exactly what I said earlier, Tejas MK2 with better combat radius, payload capacity, and much better features and tech than Tejas MK1A. Anyway, IAF should at least order 300-plus Tejas MK2, combining the Tejas MK1A fleet of 220 and 300-plus Tejas MK2 for over 525. That will make more than 50% indigenous fighter strength before AMCA induction.

While everyone agrees on the advanced capabilities of Tejas Mk2, it is still in the early stages of development, with the first induction unlikely before 2030. In contrast, the Tejas Mk1A is production-ready, and by the end of 2026, at least one squadron (16–18 aircraft) is expected to be in service

 

[Dredd]

Tejas Mk2 will have its first flight around 2027. Prototype testing, user approvals, weapon integration and testing, etc., will take at least 5–6 years. Negotiations and order approval will take at least one more year (if expedited). From there, 3–4 years for the rollout of aircraft. So, waiting for Tejas Mk2 will not be very prudent. It is good to order additional Tejas Mk1A to fill up the numbers. During mid-life upgrades, try to increase the length of Tejas Mk1A by 0.5m for additional fuel.

These are all ideal scenarios and we all know HAL can do everything but follow timelines. Tejas Mk2 will not be production-ready before 2035; by then, we will hopefully have all 180 Tejas Mk1A delivered. My only wish is that an additional batch of Tejas Mk1A comes with improvements like GaN Uttam Radar, GaN ASPJ, integrated IRST, MAWS, and multiple raked pylons.

 

[Kira]

If folks remember correctly, this was something that even I was repeatedly advocating for, as the MK-2 is much better than the MK-1A with higher growth potential even in future. The only real issue is that HAL can't deliver the MK-2 prototypes fast enough and then get them ready for mass production relatively soon afterward.

 

[PRIMAL RAJ]

But there is no guarantee of engines. Who knows what America might pull with the ToT agreement and if they are unwilling to provide 80%, then the government will drag its feet and this project—the F414 one—will be delayed, causing further delays in Tejas Mk2. So, Tejas Mk1A is a low-hanging fruit with which we can boost our capabilities. Even if it is not ideal, we have no other choice.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

True... IAF needs more Tejas Mk2 than Tejas Mk1A... But due to engine uncertainty Tejas Mk2 is facing challenges and could be delayed further... That's why IAF has gone for the safer option... But Tejas Mk1A cannot solve the problem... The best-case scenario is going for Rafale and Su-57 under Make in India... Su-57 is highly doubtful... but we can build Rafale in India along with the M88 engine... The government should not waste any time further... Go for 114 Rafale F4 versions and make it in India... IAF needs modern jets....

 

[Hari Sud]

Sorry to say that Air Marshall Bhadhuria is advocating something not feasible in a short period of time. The LCA Mk1A is at hand and very capable. Should be used. The enemy does not have anything better. The Mk2 is five years away and has supply of F-414 engine issue still not resolved. America has gone back on its earlier promise of 80% TOT. It may force redesign with another engine.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Obviously, at this point Tejas Mk-1A doesn't even make sense. Apart from the bodies already built, they should just halt all new production of Tejas Mk-1A and instead focus on Tejas Mk-2.

97 new orders for Tejas Mk-1A simply do not make any strategic sense. Considering the slow rate of supply of GE-404 engines, I do not think these will come sooner than even a delayed Tejas Mk-2.

Furthermore Tejas Mk-1A is severely restricted due to its design and anaemic engine choice.

Tejas Mk-2 as and when it arrives on the tarmac, will bring so much more to the table to actually be of any use in a combat scenario.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Mk-2, 200 aircraft and a Mk-3 single engine stealth fighter based on the Russian SU-75 airframe and 177S engine, should be tried, tested, and produced in India with an Indian GaN radar, RWR, jammer, computer, and avionics. Another 250-300 must be produced as the government plans for over 60 squadrons by 2047. 30-35 single-engine squadrons and 30 high-end squadrons like Rafales, SU-57s, and AMCA-1,2 should be acquired for a formidable expanded airpower with continental reach, but still short of global coverage.

 

[Vivek Singh]

IAF has 31 squadrons with the following aircraft:
1. Su 30 MKIs - 13
2. Rafales - 2
3. Migage 200s - 3
4. Mig 29s - 3
5. Jaguars - 6
6. Mig 21s - 2
7. Tejas - 2 (before the order of 83)

That is just 31.

LCA Tejas Mk1As (83 + 97) will add 9 squadrons, while Mig 21s will be retired.

That is still only 38. Also, 12 of these will be up for retirement soon (Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, and Mig 29s).

Even after all 220 Mk1/1As are inducted, there will be a shortfall of 16 squadrons. These 16 squadorns will have to be fulfilled with Tejas Mk2s, and AMCAs, as I don't see MRFA happening. Besides, there is discussion of taking the sanctioned squadrons number to 60.

There is enough space for both, Tejas Mk1As and Mk2s, along with AMCAs. MRFA, if it happens will be welcome too.

 

[Saurabh Jindal]

First, Mk2 is still in the development stage, whereas Mk1a is currently being manufactured.

Second, we already have 272 Su-30s (12 in the pipeline) and have planned 120 Mk2s plus AMCA in the heavy category, whereas we have 180 light fighters for combat patrol and other light-duty jobs. Operating Mk1a will cost less compared to the heavy category.

Why use a sword when a needle can do the same job?

I believe the current proportion for procurement is still more tilted towards the heavy category, but all in all, it's okay.

Also, it's not a good idea to remain sitting idle for higher specs in the future instead of producing what we are currently capable of.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

Going with additional Tejas Mk 1A is fine, but HAL should incorporate advances achieved under Mk 2 version into Mk 1A so that it does not get outdated soon. Mk 2 is required in bigger numbers and we should scrap the MRFA proposal fully. Just focus on Tejas Mk 2 and AMCA. We have enough missile, radar and air defence power to counter both Pakistan and China in the meanwhile.

 

[Mayank393]

We need numbers right now, and currently the Tejas Mk1A is a good platform. Its payload capacity is less, but sufficient against Pakistan and Bangladesh, given the shorter distances. The Tejas Mk1A is also a better platform than the JF-17, which we all know. Moreover, the ministry had already decided long ago to go for 10 squadrons of Tejas Mk1A. However, I also believe that the additional 97 Tejas Mk1A should come with better upgrade

 

[Sandeep]

It’s obviously true and correct that the Tejas MK2 will be a better and more advanced jet than the Tejas MK1A jets. The technology will be better, it will hold more and better weapons, we can fly drones from inside, net centric capability, longer range, powerful engine, faster speed etc.

The only reason why they have placed more orders for Tejas MK1A jets is because it will still take a long time before production of Tejas MK2 begins. It will also take a while to build and deploy a squadron of 18-20 jets and within that time we can manufacture more Tejas MK1A jets. We also can’t have any production lines remaining idle so it’s better to manufacture more jets while you can. Also we can always order more Tejas MK2 jets to give us the offensive fire power while we can use Tejas MK1A for defence mainly. At the same time we should increase the amount of indigenous content we have and replace some foreign parts, components or technology with a better and indigenous version.