Opinion Three Decades After First Prototype, Tejas Mk2 Set to Showcase India's Growing Technological Prowess and Commitment to Self-Sufficiency

India is preparing to unveil the Tejas Mk2, a next-generation fighter jet, in 2025, marking a significant advancement in the nation's indigenous aerospace capabilities.

This event comes almost thirty years after the rollout of the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas prototype in November 1995, demonstrating India's continued progress in developing its own defense technologies.

The unveiling of the original Tejas prototype in 1995 represented India's determination to decrease its reliance on foreign-made military aircraft and establish a strong domestic defense industry.

The LCA program, a collaborative effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), encountered various obstacles, including technical difficulties, project delays, and initial doubts.

Despite these challenges, the Tejas program persevered, transforming the initial design into a fully operational combat aircraft. The Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants are currently in active service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Tejas Mk2, scheduled for rollout in 2025, signifies a major technological advancement. This 4.5-generation multi-role fighter is equipped with cutting-edge features, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides superior situational awareness and tracking capabilities compared to traditional radar systems.

The Mk2 also boasts upgraded avionics and refined aerodynamics for improved flight performance.

Furthermore, a more powerful engine and a greater payload capacity enable the Mk2 to carry a larger and more diverse array of weapons and equipment, allowing it to meet the IAF's changing operational needs. The Ministry of Defence, India states that Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar is indigenously designed and developed.

For the Indian Air Force, the Tejas Mk2 is expected to substantially enhance operational capabilities. Its sophisticated features will improve the IAF's ability to perform air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.

The Mk2 is also designed for better interoperability with other aircraft and systems within the IAF and potentially with allied forces.

The upcoming rollout of the Tejas Mk2 is a source of national pride and a moment for reflection on India's technological journey. It underscores the nation's capacity to conquer challenges, foster innovation, and produce advanced defense systems.

The progression from the first Tejas prototype in 1995 to the forthcoming Mk2 in 2025 highlights India's steadfast dedication to aerospace excellence and its aspiration to become a major player in global defense technology.

This milestone not only bolsters the IAF's fighting strength but also sets the stage for further progress, contributing to the long-term security of India's airspace.

 

[Anant]

Yes, 30 years since then, and the IAF doesn't yet have even 45 Tejas jets in service. Absolutely fantastic record by HAL!

Oh, sorry. I forgot. They are still experiencing the aftershocks of the 1998 sanctions, aren't they?

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Milestone? Really? OMG! India took 30 years to build a 4th gen fighter jet, and of course, the engine is coming from the US. If it is an achievement, then I have nothing to say.

 

[Pankaj]

It would be better if the world has also been moving with the same pace.

 

[sujith sudhakaran]

Milestone? Really? OMG! India took 30 years to build a 4th gen fighter jet, and of course, the engine is coming from the US. If it is an achievement, then I have nothing to say.

The radar is Israeli, the ejection seat is UK, most of the weapons are European. Really, there are new planes collecting dust in warehouses because there is no engine to fly them, even after the engine was decided 30 years ago.

 

[R.K.Gupta]

What a fun? If HAL depend on foreign entity for Engines which is very crucial for the project, what they achieved over such a long period of time? This is what our PSUs are doing. They are rather burden to the Govt. That's why disinvestment is being done. If this is entrusted to some reputed private entity the result would have been different.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

Though there were too many hiccups, delays, and changes in timelines, I salute the core people responsible for this journey thus far. I greatly appreciate the hard work put in to attain this milestone in the long road to produce a homegrown fighter aircraft. I am well aware that to produce a fighter aircraft is not that easy; it involves very complex technologies incorporated into the entire system. If Tejas Mk2 lives up to its expectations, then it would add another feather in the cap. I am very much excited and looking forward to seeing the rolling out of the Tejas Mk2 Prototype, as announced, in 2025, without any further delays and timeline changes.

 

[binu boro]

European countries developed aircraft engines and fought WW1 in 1914. WW2 was fought with better aircraft. We are still yet to get a domestic engine. The Tejas is nothing without a USA engine...how can we say the Tejas is an indigenous aircraft?