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India's advanced, domestically developed Tejas Mark 2 fighter jet program has achieved a major milestone by moving from the design board to the physical prototyping stage.
The head of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirmed that the aircraft's design has been finalised, and the manufacturing of its structural components has commenced, setting the stage for its first flight by the end of 2026.
This development is a significant step forward in the nation's efforts to enhance its military aviation capabilities with indigenous technology.
The Tejas Mark 2 is a 4.5-generation medium-weight aircraft designed to replace the Indian Air Force's (IAF) aging fleets of Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29 fighter jets.
Its successful induction will strengthen the country's air superiority and strategic autonomy, reducing reliance on foreign military hardware.
An evolution of the earlier Tejas Mark 1/1A light combat aircraft, the Mark 2 variant features substantial upgrades.
It is powered by a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, capable of producing 98 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust.
The aircraft is larger, allowing it to carry a heavier weapons payload of up to 6.5 tonnes.
Its advanced systems include a state-of-the-art Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior tracking and targeting, an indigenous Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, and compatibility with advanced long-range missiles.
According to Dr. DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, the structural assembly of the first prototype is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
The aircraft is anticipated to be formally rolled out around April 2026, with flight testing scheduled to begin in the latter half of the year. This timeline reflects the complex process of integrating the sophisticated avionics and mission computers that form the core of the jet's combat systems.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the construction of four prototypes, which will undergo rigorous testing to validate their performance and combat capabilities.
This testing phase will focus on the engine's integration, sensor performance, and weapons deployment.
The Tejas Mark 2 program is also a cornerstone of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) initiative, with a target of over 70% indigenous content.
Once operational, the aircraft is expected to be a direct competitor to foreign jets like Sweden's Saab Gripen, solidifying India's position as a leading aerospace and defence manufacturer.
