Tejas Mk2 Prototype Assembly Leveraging Mk1 Suppliers for Streamlined Component and Materials Sourcing, Rollout Expected by Year End

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) officials have provided significant updates on the Tejas Mk2 program at Aero India 2025. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is progressing steadily towards its first prototype rollout, anticipated by the end of this year.

The Tejas Mk2, an advanced version of the Tejas Mk1, is currently in its final assembly stages. Major components, including the center fuselage and wings, have been delivered and integrated into the assembly jig.

HAL officials confirmed that the aircraft is being assembled using a streamlined approach, leveraging the existing supplier network from the Tejas Mk1 program. This strategy ensures a readily available supply of components that meet the required quality standards.

While the prototype rollout remains on schedule, the first flight has been slightly adjusted to April or May 2026, from the initial target of March 2026. This minor delay is attributed to the complexity of integrating the aircraft's advanced systems and subsystems. HAL officials emphasized that the delay will not significantly impact the overall program timeline.

The assembly of the first Tejas Mk2 prototype is a meticulous process, expected to take over ten months to complete. This extended timeline is necessary to ensure the integration of as many operational systems as possible before the first flight, ultimately accelerating the development process.

In a departure from traditional procedures, HAL has opted to bypass the standard Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certifications for the Tejas Mk2. Instead, the aircraft will be cleared for production after achieving a basic IOC, focusing primarily on the core weapons configuration. This includes Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs), Close Combat Missiles (CCM), and Precision Guided Munitions (PGM).

This streamlined approach aims to expedite the production and induction of the Tejas Mk2 into the Indian Air Force (IAF). Once the basic IOC is achieved, the IAF will assume responsibility for integrating additional weapons systems and conducting further trials, including in-flight refueling. This collaborative approach between HAL and the IAF is expected to significantly reduce the time required for the Tejas Mk2 to become operational.

The Tejas Mk2 boasts significant technological advancements over its predecessor, incorporating new features and capabilities. These upgrades contribute to the aircraft's enhanced performance but have also played a role in the slight delay in the first flight. Ultimately, these advancements are crucial for ensuring the Tejas Mk2's effectiveness in modern aerial combat scenarios.

 

[PKPRS]

Yea.. but for supercruise.. bigger reason is, Gripen uses a different version of GE414, it has 64kN dry thrust and not the usual 58kN.. we don't know which one India is using till now for sure though.. let's see.

Gripen has much better Aerodynamics, unlike fat and chubby Tejas, that's why it supercruises.

 

[Aerospace Expert]

I will believe it when I see it for real. For now, this end of 2025 is just a random date HAL is known to throw at defence publications to score brownie points.

Your comments itself indicates you like to score brownie points. Please do not deride HAL, these are very difficult and complicated jobs. There are draw backs but on the whole HAL is making tremendous progress. I am saying this as a responsible person where I have a first hand experience in interaction with HAL engineers .

 

[tipoo2]

Why do we need MK2? We already have MK1A. What advantages does MK2 provide?

It's a much more ambitious aircraft. The MK1 and MK1A were dreamt up a long time ago for a different mission set and through various delays only got going recently, but the MK2 should be a very competent and relevant 4th gen fighter which won't be going anywhere despite 5th gen (cost/affordable mass).

Key Improvements in Tejas Mk2 over Mk1A:

• Larger Airframe & Payload Capacity:
  • Mk2 is longer (by ~1.35m) and has a larger wingspan, allowing it to carry 6,500 kg of payload (vs. 3,500 kg on Mk1A).
  • Can carry more fuel (3,400 kg internally vs. ~2,400 kg in Mk1A), improving range.
• More Powerful Engine:
  • GE F414-INS6 (98 kN thrust) vs. GE F404-IN20 (84 kN thrust) in Mk1A.
  • Better thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing higher speed and heavier weapons load.
• Upgraded Avionics & Sensors:
  • Mk2 features an improved AESA radar with better tracking and engagement range.
  • Integrated Infrared Search and Track (IRST) and Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), absent in Mk1A.
  • More advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite with improved jamming and survivability.
• Increased Weapon Stations & Payload:
  • 11 hardpoints (Mk2) vs. 8 hardpoints (Mk1A) for carrying more weapons.
  • Can carry longer-range air-to-air missiles (Astra Mk2/3, Meteor).
  • Supports BrahMos-NG, SCALP, and other heavier air-to-ground missiles.
• Better Combat Range & Endurance:
  • Mk2 has almost double the range (2,500 km vs. ~1,500 km in Mk1A) due to more fuel and efficient aerodynamics.
  • Can perform multi-role missions with more loiter time.
• Canards & Aerodynamic Improvements:
  • Mk2 has canards, improving agility, maneuverability, and lift.
  • Improved low-observability (stealth features) with better radar cross-section (RCS) management.
• In-Flight Refuelling (IFR) & Buddy Refuelling Capability:
  • Mk2 has conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) for extending range.
  • Can be used for buddy refuelling (refuelling other aircraft mid-air).
• More Advanced Cockpit & Mission Computer:
  • Features a larger touchscreen interface and better sensor fusion.
  • Upgraded mission computer with AI-assisted target recognition.