Tejas Mk2 to Soar with 70% Indigenous Content in 2026, Aiming for 90% by 2031

India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology is gaining momentum with the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program. Prabhulla Chandran VK, director of avionics and weapons systems at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has revealed that the Tejas Mk2 is projected to achieve an impressive 90% indigenous content by the time it enters production in 2031.

This ambitious goal will be achieved in stages. The first Tejas Mk2 prototype, slated to take flight in 2026, will already feature over 70% indigenous components. This marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the Tejas Mk1A, which is expected to reach 70% indigenous content within the next four years.

While delays in defence programs are often met with frustration, the extra time taken for the Tejas Mk2 has allowed engineers to prioritize the development of indigenous components. This strategic decision ensures greater control over the aircraft's production, maintenance, and future upgrades, bolstering India's strategic autonomy in defence.

The Tejas Mk2 will showcase cutting-edge Indian technology, with its advanced radar systems, weapons, and other critical functionalities being predominantly developed within the country. While some components, such as the ejection seat and a few sensors, may still be sourced from abroad, India is actively working towards achieving a near-complete domestic supply chain for the Mk2.

This commitment to indigenous development aligns with the Indian Air Force's (IAF) vision for self-reliance. The IAF has been a strong advocate for higher indigenous content in fighter jets, and the Tejas Mk2 reflects this ambition. This approach not only strengthens India's defence capabilities but also contributes to the growth of a robust domestic defence industry.

 

[AK S]

Simply excuses wasting time until 2040 for 1st flight now....

Why are you so nervous? What do you want to sell? F21? Keep trying.

 

[AK S]

During the delay some people are able fly a new stealth plane and maybe a stealth bomber and a stealth drone and a few stealth missiles. Pls understand the urgency.

You need money, IAF’s need and willingness for indigenous products and CCS approval.

rants are just rants.

 

[AK S]

If HAL delays to 2046 - we may have 100% indigenus content.

Interesting assumption.

What’s the story in Pakistan? Heard begging dollars for JF31.

 

[Akshat]

Typical French propaganda and jealousy and anxiety. No business for France in MK2.

MRFA tender is yet to to be born. Even the idea is hardly five years old. So yeah, only French anxiety can imagine hear that for a decade.

In all likelihood, mk2 will fly within 3years of ccs approval ne likely to be inducted in 6-7 years after CCS. Dassault took good five years and $1.5B to deliver first Rafale with all of India Specific Enhancements. So I fully understand why French are so nervous about Mk2 and keep repeating the lies.

MRFA tender has already gone past the RFI stage. That was over 5 years back.

Mk2 won’t fly this decade. All approvals and funds were already present way back and everything was wasted. This is from official HAL documents. Dassault deliver ISE Rafales on time as per the agreement. So they are not jealous but should be proud of doing this for their friend.

No one needs to spread any lies regarding mk2. Truth itself is toxic enough.

 

[AK S]

So Now its time for indigenious Ejection Seat.

Realistically not possible for Mk2. Though it’s work -in-progress.

 

[AK S]

What Joke is this? Then let's delay it further till 2050 & come with 100% indigenously developed fighter along with Indigenous Engine. Why only 2031??

Hope it’s just sarscasm and frustration. It’s not about future delay. It’s about systemic delay say caused by CCS approval, agreement with GE and release of funds.

So far it’s not been because of HAL. Not that HAL won’t delay.

 

[Akshat]

I can see the anxiety in French tone. Mk2 is really a very bad news for France. Almost no business. They might get some if they allow meteor integration. Upto them … we’d have our own. Just a matter of time.

I’m talking about Indian Rafale and not your Rafale. So we don’t have GaN and we will be paying through our nose as and when we go for it. French won’t allow indigenous radars.

There is every indication that we are using GaN for Mk2 and Su30. Lets see.

Base Rafale M is speculated to be costing upwards of $140M.Mk2 is likely to be half of that.

We’d have dependencies on global supply chain, but very limited. That’s true for engines as well. We’d be able to run the show without US support. In case of Su30 MKI, with much lower level of indigenisation, we continue to maintain and operate AL31 while Russia is busy fighting NATO’s proxy. So we are good with GE F414. Pity France doesn’t have any.

IAF itself says mk2 isn’t a substitution for MRFA. So France have no reason for worry, especially from a plane that is on paper only even almost a decade after it was supposed to be inducted. It seems in fact that the DPSU apologists like you are worried that if MRFA goes through, mk2 might get canceled as some private company will finish the 114 order and then go on to take even more from HAL’s quota.

I am also talking about our Indian Rafales. All F4 Rafales, made from 2025 onwards, will have GaN.

There is no scope for GaN on Mk2 or Su30. Might be there for AMCA in the late 2050s. Done and dusted, nothing left to see.

I don’t talk of speculations but hard facts. Mk2 might actually be even costlier than Rafale.

Our dependencies on foreign components will be critical. US decides and no engines will be there in an instant. That’s the truth. But the French will give us true atmanirbharta, by helping us make 100% Made in India engine for AMCA. Something DRDO could never accomplish for us.

 

[PKPRS]

I will be surprised if it surpasses a F-16 or a Gripen in performance. No point comparing it with a twin engine fighter like Rafale or Eurofighter. They are different beasts.

It works better for than any other foreign jets to meet our operational doctrine, that is what is important.

 

[kunitesh]

Not quite! As recent reports indicate there is a flaw in design which may need revision of design. God known what exactly they froze during CDR.

Even a layman would say that canard and wings were too closely placed which indicated a flawed design..recently HAL hurriedly took help from French to test it which means more delays as some components like intakes and canard will have to be refabricated..but I guess HAL is an expert in defending delays by blaming engines or boasting of indigenization

 

[हरिः व्योम]

What are you basing that assertion on? What specifically makes the Tejas Mk 2 better than any 4th generation MWF, exactly?

You list down first why it wouldn't be 4.5 gen. Then I will talk to you

 

[Anant]

You list down first why it wouldn't be 4.5 gen. Then I will talk to you

And where did I say the Tejas Mk 2 wouldn't be a 4.5th generation aircraft? It most definitely is. My question to Sh. / Sm. PKPRS is on the basis of which he / she asserts that the Tejas will be superior to other aircraft of its generation.

 

[Capt Mahendra]

The way it is going with the delays, it is going to be dead on arrival !

Some people are always pessimistic and enjoy putting down Bharat instead of appreciating the amount of effort put in by our scientists and engineers working Hard to overcome the huge restrictive attitude of the West to prevent the development of Bharat Plus our own anti-national political entities (Jaichands) who take money from the vested interest and playing their tune to put obstacles in the progress of Bharat. We need to dump them in Deep sea through out votes instead of being an aid to such Anti national elements.

 

[Ravindra Kapoor]

Let us hope for the Best........All these stories nothing new.....high time Defence R&D is by Industry than DRDO/ Government Agencies.......