Tejas Mk-2 Targets 2025 First Flight, Says ADA Chief

India's aerospace ambitions are gaining momentum with the announcement that the advanced Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet is aiming for its first flight in 2025.

Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), confirmed the target timeline in a recent interview with Anantha Krishnan M of Tarmak Media House.

"We are working diligently towards the Tejas Mk-2's maiden flight, and the current target is between September and October of 2025," stated Dr. Jadhav. This timeframe, while subject to the complexities of aerospace engineering, provides a clearer outlook after previous development delays.

The Tejas Mk-2 represents a significant upgrade from the existing Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Enhancements include a more powerful engine, advanced avionics systems, and a reinforced airframe, all designed to significantly boost its combat capabilities.

The Tejas Mk-2's initial flight will mark a landmark achievement for India's defense industry. "A successful Tejas Mk-2 program showcases India's growing expertise in developing advanced military aircraft, enhancing the nation's self-reliance in defense technology," commented aerospace analyst [analyst's name].

It's important to note that a recent report from Defence.in suggests an alternate timeframe, predicting an early 2026 first flight for the Tejas Mk-2. With complex projects of this nature, timelines can be subject to change.

 

[Baba Baati Baachur]

These ADA, DRDO and HAL people having no accountability, goes on giving such statements at periodic intervals because they know no journalist will cross examine them because the journalists need the next story from these people.....

 

[Anant]

These ADA, DRDO and HAL people having no accountability, goes on giving such statements at periodic intervals because they know no journalist will cross examine them because the journalists need the next story from these people.....

Just yesterday, there was an article claiming H2 2026. Now, they are saying H2 2025.

 

[Anant]

What is this front-foot batting these people are doing? They started off with late 2027 / early 2028, then moved the timeline for the first flight to the second half of 2026 (just yesterday's article, mind you), and are now saying it will happen in the second half of 2025?

At this rate, let's wait until the day after tomorrow. Kya pata first flight ho jaaye? Tell these people to deliver the aircraft rather than speculate on first flight dates.

 

[iambatman]

These ADA, DRDO and HAL people having no accountability, goes on giving such statements at periodic intervals because they know no journalist will cross examine them because the journalists need the next story from these people.....

It's on time.
CCS cleared in september 2022 and 3 years from then first flight.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Just yesterday, there was an article claiming H2 2026. Now, they are saying H2 2025.

That article was prediction by Defence.in. This is official. In last line of this article, Defence.in is still sticking to its 2026 prediction

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

They started off with late 2027 / early 2028, then moved the timeline for the first flight to the second half of 2026 (just yesterday's article, mind you), and are now saying it will happen in the second half of 2025?

That 2026 was speculation by Defence.in. This is ADA chairman saying.

 

[siva saba]

That 2026 was speculation by Defence.in. This is ADA chairman saying.

Looks like things are moving fast. Hope this will happen as they said. Final words are yet to come from AS gang

 

[Anant]

That 2026 was speculation by Defence.in. This is ADA chairman saying.

If his words prove to be true, then as they say, "aapke muh mein ghee shakkar". Let's see, though.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

If his words prove to be true, then as they say, "aapke muh mein ghee shakkar". Let's see, though.

I think momentum is there. Whole country is keeping its eye on HAL, ADA, IAF. Even mudi flew on tejas. They cannot screw it up anymore. They wont be forgiven

 

[Akshat]

It's on time.
CCS cleared in september 2022 and 3 years from then first flight.

Then why was HAL chairman claiming the roll out will be in Aug 2022 (claimed in Jan 2021, just 19 months timeline)?

 

[Akshat]

What is this front-foot batting these people are doing? They started off with late 2027 / early 2028, then moved the timeline for the first flight to the second half of 2026 (just yesterday's article, mind you), and are now saying it will happen in the second half of 2025?

Front foot? This is behind the stumps batting 😂😂 Original date for roll out, as per HAL chairman, was August 2022. And don’t blame CCS please. He made this comment 19 months before the alleged deadline, which means relevant funds were already released (because as per their own claims the roll out can happen only after ~36 months from the date of approval).

 

[Akshat]

I think momentum is there. Whole country is keeping its eye on HAL, ADA, IAF. Even mudi flew on tejas. They cannot screw it up anymore. They wont be forgiven

He flew in Tejas and right after that Tejas deliveries weee delayed. HAL and DRDO have gone rogue and care about no one at all.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Can he put this date on a notarized affidavit?

 

[Amit Kumar]

If this comes to be true Akshat will not say any negative things about HAL or DRDO for whole year😅😅😅

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

If this comes to be true Akshat will not say any negative things about HAL or DRDO for whole year😅😅😅

He is not one of those who learn from their mistakes , he is a new prajati 😅

He is anti-DPSU keyboard warrior , along with Frank , sudha etc

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

Timeline for best case scenario, According to ADA chief yesterday " UTTAM AESA radar is almost ready just few tests are left " though there will be completely different avionics for LCA mk-2 from Mk1A , it will take time..

" AMCA will go parallel with Tejas mk-2 "that means AMCA flight by 2028

Almost all orders for components of LCA Mk-2 have been given , Now it's upto foreign vendors how quickly they can deliver..

Also A Krishnan sir started with Tejas Mk-2 but corrected himself and said LCA Mk-2 that means New name for Tejas mk-2

Hoping Tejas mk-2 flight by 2025 end

 

[Kira]

If the timeline is even a little realistic ,then there is no point in going for any additional MK-1As beyond the 83 ordered in 2021,both IAF and HAL should focus on quickly getting the MK-2 ready for mass production.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

If the timeline is even a little realistic ,then there is no point in going for any additional MK-1As beyond the 83 ordered in 2021,both IAF and HAL should focus on quickly getting the MK-2 ready for mass production.

Mk-2 flight by 2025 that means 3-4 years of testing at least and then production by 2030 earliest.. We need 97 more tejas order is a must

 

[iambatman]

Then why was HAL chairman claiming the roll out will be in Aug 2022 (claimed in Jan 2021, just 19 months timeline)?

maybe for some limelight

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

If the timeline is even a little realistic ,then there is no point in going for any additional MK-1As beyond the 83 ordered in 2021,both IAF and HAL should focus on quickly getting the MK-2 ready for mass production.

In long term, 97 mk1A won't hurt. We need Tejas in at least 350-400 numbers.

 

[NSR]

The first flight of Tejas Mk2 during September-October 2025 is extremely ambitious to say the least.

May be the guys in ADA had some few pegs before announcing the news.
Take the news with a grain of salt.

 

[Borodine]

They started off with late 2027 / early 2028, then moved the timeline for the first flight to the second half of 2026 (just yesterday's article, mind you), and are now saying it will happen in the second half of 2025?

2027/2028 is the date given for the commencement of serial production.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

2027/2028 is the date given for the commencement of serial production.

That date is already null and void. With prototype fabrication commencing in late 2025 or 2026, it would have to complete a whole battery of flight trials which itself last normally for a period of 5-7 years worldwide. Of course knowing the superlative efficiency of our HAL/ADA and DRDO combined and going by the past track record it very likely to exceed 8-9 years.

After that assuming the MoD bureaucracy moves ahead at speed and approves contract for procurement of platform immediately, it would at least take 3-3.5 years before we see first production models entering squadron service with IAF. Thus even in best case scenario we are unlikely to see a MK2 entering service anytime before 2035 and realistically it would be 2037-40 before we may see them entering service.

 

[Akash Vashisth]

I think these guys just enjoy it giving away timelines like that.