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.

 

[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.