The Tejas Mk2 reeks of
Second System effect, which wiki chacha defines as
The second-system effect or second-system syndrome is the tendency of small, elegant, and successful systems to be succeeded by over-engineered, bloated systems, due to inflated expectations and overconfidence
What started off as simple re-engining of Tejas from F404 to F414, has become a completely different beast called "MWF", with change in aerodynamics (canards, better area ruling) and change in MTOW and empty weight. The goal posts have moved from one Aero India to another. On top of this, we want to have IRST & MAWS. God alone knows how long it will actually take to certify.
None of this would be a problem if Mk2 hadn't slipped timelines, but it has, and the timelines keep getting stretched.
I've been hearing about how Mk2 will help with AMCA. I don't understand. Mk2 doesn't have serpentine intakes, doesn't use radar absorbent material. True, it has IRST and MAWS and indegenious OBOGS, but those can be tested and certified on Mk1A instead.
Between Mk2 and AMCA, AMCA is much more important. That we are forced to probably procure SU-57 or Rafale is because of the delays to AMCA.
Just cancel the Mk2. Go all hands on deck on AMCA, get the designers off the Mk2 train. Get the first version quickly, let's called AMCA Mk0.5 - it may not even be fully stealthy, it may not have all systems integrated, but it will still be a much better deal. Don't make it a science project - get to the production by 2030.
I also know it won't happen. The MoD will be worried about what CAG will say about spending so much money and cancelling, the scientists will be worried about AMCA being called a three-legged cheetah or whatever. Till we get a minister of caliber of Parikkar, nobody will take any risk.
So, nothing will change except timelines. We will procure a lot of Rafales and Su-57s. We will whine about sanctions. Mk2 will happen a few years late. AMCA will happen a decade late. Operation success, patient dead.
