Tejas Mk2 Medium Weight Fighter: News & Discussion - 23 February 2019

[rajsunder]

How true is that the HAL/ADA wants to go with the regular route of Limited service Production aircraft instead of directly going to FOC?

Tejas Mk2 LS aircraft to be made, 24 Tejas Mk2 to be made every year

[drnayar]

3D render of Tejas Mk2 by Kuntal Biswas, @kuntal__biswas, Twitter

[Kakkaji]

How true is that the HAL/ADA wants to go with the regular route of Limited service Production aircraft instead of directly going to FOC?

Tejas Mk2 LS aircraft to be made, 24 Tejas Mk2 to be made every year

You will need the LSPs for testing, certification, and updates.

[Kartik]

How true is that the HAL/ADA wants to go with the regular route of Limited service Production aircraft instead of directly going to FOC?

Tejas Mk2 LS aircraft to be made, 24 Tejas Mk2 to be made every year

You will need the LSPs for testing, certification, and updates.

Not necessarily. The plan was to build 5 Tejas Mk2 prototypes. All of which would be built to the final serial production standard.

The Tejas LCA program was very different given the level of technological readiness that ADA, HAL, DRDO labs had at that time. Which is why the TD was needed to prove some critical technologies, followed by PVs. However, as the program progressed, the scope of testing required was understood and it could simply not be met by just the PV series since the TDs were essentially outdated, with older gen F-404-F2J3 engines that lacked FADEC for e.g.

Tejas Mk2 prototypes will see all avionics, radar, EW suite, engine, etc. at a very similar spec to what is envisioned for the serial production variants. There may be changes here or there as testing progresses but envelope expansion, testing various systems, etc. will be conducted on those 5 Tejas Mk2 prototypes. Expect at least 3000-4000 hours of testing to prove out the various systems. All of which could be handled by the 5 prototypes.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Sukhwinder104/status/2006 ... 10513?s=20 ---> Hope to see it flying soon...

[uddu]

https://x.com/Kunal_Biswas707/status/20 ... 1797944563

Snaps from my personal collection: DRDO's infrared-based MAWS sensor—originally developed for the stealthy AMCA—is now on the Tejas Mk2! Massive design upgrade! First Tejas Mk2 prototype rollout expected by mid-2026.

[uddu]

https://x.com/i/status/2009444806146314463

@FighterPiloting
Wow!
LCA (Navy) Mk2

[uddu]

Tejas Mk2 will fly in July | Zorawar and Pralay will be Inducted soon

[uddu]

Big milestone for DRDO. Tejas Mk-2 to take first flight in June

A major development has emerged after the development of the indigenous fighter aircraft. DRDO has confirmed that the first flight of Tejas Mk-2 will take place in the middle of 2026. It is a great achievement as India makes foray into medium weight fighter systems. Tejas Mk-2 will be powered by the GE F414-INS6 engine, delivering 98 kilo-newtons of thrust — giving the jet greater agility, control and raw power. The Mk-2 will act as a bridge toward India’s future 5th-generation fighter programme, with a more advanced airframe that is expected to roll out in March. It’s also bigger, weighing 17.5 tonnes, compared to 13.5 tonnes of the Mk-1 and is designed to eventually replace the Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fleets. Right now, India has around 30 fighter squadrons, well short of the IAF’s sanctioned strength of 42. Pakistan, by comparison, has 25 squadrons.

[ritesh]

Big milestone for DRDO. Tejas Mk-2 to take first flight in June | ON POINT | News9

The sarcastic me wants to know which June, 2026? Or...

[Aditya_V]

We can be sarcastic, but there seems to be a whole ecosystem within India to Sabotage local production, this can't be without foreign controllers, they seem to be everywhere, this system has to be rooted out bit by bit.

No wonder 4 or 5 countries have been able to attain certain technologies, From RM, to production capabilities, design ,ordering the right thing at the right time. Things can be sabotaged in soo many ways.

We have think why was Tejas Mk2 F414 on the table in 2010 and paltry 20 for IOC 20 orders FOC, it was time to go all in with the F404 line still running, we could have had Tejas Mk1 in numbers before upgrading, but we wanted Refuelling probes, AESA radar before ordering in numbers.

We should not make this same mistake in future, induct in numbers established production facilities and then upgrade in future.

I am Happy they did not wait for Akash to become Akash NG before ordering it.

[uddu]

https://x.com/FighterPiloting/status/20 ... 8859098398
@FighterPiloting
Sirs! As far as I understand, ADA has no plans to roll out Mk-2. DG DRDO wants direct first flight this year, as roll out calls for stopping build-up activities & closing all panels etc of the prototype. But it might happen sometime as an incidental event, not a timed activity.

https://x.com/manojzxc/status/2014550072093208959
6/30)
This is the picture of Tejas MK2 in May/2025.
It looks like, 50% of MK2 is done. From there to rollout, how much time will it take? in conservative estimates not less than 6 months. But HAL chief had shifter the timeline to "1st quarter of 2026-27"

[uddu]

Tejas Mk2 Already Rolled Out? | A big Surprise | हिंदी में

[Cain Marko]

We have think why was Tejas Mk2 F414 on the table in 2010 and paltry 20 for IOC 20 orders FOC, it was time to go all in with the F404 line still running, we could have had Tejas Mk1 in numbers before upgrading, but we wanted Refuelling probes, AESA radar before ordering in numbers..

This is it. Just when there seems to be a breakthrough one stakeholder or another will muck it up either with a list of weaknesses or pie in sky type promises.

[Aditya_V]

I think that is where the MK1A 83+97 orders coming, suppliers and capacity is paid for, and everything is being productionised, if things start going with Local Engine and other aspects like the new Airframe etc, post 2028 some these orders will be converted from MK1A to MK2.

This is something which should have been done with Mass orders in 2008-10 itself when the Tejas Mk1 Airframe was mature enough.

[uddu]

I think that is where the MK1A 83+97 orders coming, suppliers and capacity is paid for, and everything is being productionised, if things start going with Local Engine and other aspects like the new Airframe etc, post 2028 some these orders will be converted from MK1A to MK2.

This is something which should have been done with Mass orders in 2008-10 itself when the Tejas Mk1 Airframe was mature enough.

MK1A should not be touched. It is done with. No need to reopen and further destroy one of the successful indigenous effort. Work should progress on Kaveri engine to succeed and replace the F404 in service. The more number of MK1A in service, the better for Kaveri. Only the Number for MK2 increased.

[Prem Kumar]

Kaveri (to replace GE-404 for Tejas) must be pursued because

1) 1000+ engines will be required for the Tejas fleet over its lifespan
2) Remove dependency on GE
3) Even if #2 doesn't happen, the fact that we *could* replace GE-404 with Kaveri will make them bend over backwards to ensure continuity of supplies & spares. Will make us sanction/pressure proof
4) Will give us invaluable experience in uprating for AMCA. In fact, Kaveri derivative to replace 414 must also be initiated

Killing Kaveri because GE-404 is *proven* is suicidal. The only thing that is proven is our vulnerability to sanctions!

[Khalsa]

Just imagine having a semi viable Kaveri all this time would have rushed GE deliveries.
Lavi ensured F16s and F35 were sold and customised for Israeli at their whims.

[uddu]

https://x.com/i/status/2016785191369367671
If you remember my last video, I said that engineering a prototype is tricky. There can be multiple hold-ups, and because of that, a project’s status yesterday versus today can be completely different. Sometimes it’s two steps forward and three steps back that’s prototyping.

At times, you may have to open up an already-coupled platform, and that alone can suddenly change the timeline. I’m not saying that happened here; I’m simply explaining how engineering a prototype works.

Here are some things from the past, along with timelines and sources, that may look contradictory and that’s exactly why I say engineering and manufacturing are complex.

[Kartik]

Q1 FY 2027 is from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026. So that falls in line with what DRDO Chief Dr Kamat had to say. Fingers crossed we're hopefully going to see a roll-out in a couple of months.

[uddu]

Q1 FY 2027 is from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026. So that falls in line with what DRDO Chief Dr Kamat had to say. Fingers crossed we're hopefully going to see a roll-out in a couple of months.

Karthikji, it will be direct first flight. When it will happen need to be watched. There is a possibility of the Media (Mostly Anantha Anna) visiting HAL and doing a half an hour interview with few images of certain sections coming out. That's possible.

[uddu]

https://x.com/i/status/2017491702492332197
@akshaytandur
I spoke to HAL employee yersterday. Was very friendly and told:-
- We'll be seeing Tejas Mk2's first flight in 2026.
- Fast progress in Amphibious do-228.

[bkswarti]

^ ill believe it when it happens. Knowing HAL, first flight might not be until 2030

[Khalsa]

if not Tejas Mk2 then the AMCA has got to be a different engine instead of GE.

[Khalsa]

^ ill believe it when it happens. Knowing HAL, first flight might not be until 2030

I know right !!

[Rakesh]

HAL stating that production for Tejas Mk2 will be post 2032. That is like 6+ years away.

https://x.com/IamRajat_Pandit/status/20 ... 74254?s=20 ---> HAL says Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), LCA Tejas Mk2 and Combat Air Teaming System (#CATS) are expected to enter production post-2032!

[pravula]

So how many mk2 orders have been placed? If not, IAF can pound sand.

[bkswarti]

Post 2032 is 2033 latest. Knowing HAL, should we just buy more Rafales and Mk 1A and just shift our focus fully into the AMCA and start looking at a 6th generation fighter.

[Kartik]

HAL stating that production for Tejas Mk2 will be post 2032. That is like 6+ years away.

https://x.com/IamRajat_Pandit/status/20 ... 74254?s=20 ---> HAL says Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), LCA Tejas Mk2 and Combat Air Teaming System (#CATS) are expected to enter production post-2032!

Finally they're giving realistic timelines rather than the unrealistic dates that are unattainable.

Consider this- you'll get 1 prototype this year and it'll slowly open its flight envelope. There'll be 1 new prototype hopefully every 6 months. Which means that even in the next 2 years we'll have at most 3 out of 5 Tejas Mk2 prototypes. There's literally thousands of test points to be cleared for the airframe which is new, the new control surface, the new cockpit avionics (LAD, side stick controller, etc.), new radar, IRST, internal jammer, etc. the list is huge. Just for flutter, it requires well over hundred sorties of basically not doing much as Cmde Maolankar said in a Blue Skies podcast.

KAI completed their KF-21 test program within 1500 flight tests. Very well managed program, done with 2 months left on the schedule. We'll have to do an equally well planned test flight program, which is possible given the extensive Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A experience.

But even then it'll take time.

[Rakesh]

So how many mk2 orders have been placed? If not, IAF can pound sand.

Air HQ will be unable to place orders without a viable product in hand.

73 Tejas Mk1A single seaters + 10 Tejas Mk1 twin seat trainers ordered in Feb 2021, based off a spec sheet. Everything on the Tejas Mk1A is a known variable. It is also why a second tranche was ordered in Sept 2025, for 68 single seat Tejas Mk1As and 29 dual seat Mk1As.

The Tejas Mk2 has yet to fly. Only post IOC of the Mk2, can discussions begin between Air HQ and HAL on orders. That has not stopped speculations on estimated production runs. Initially it was 200 air frames, now it has changed to ~ 100 aircraft as a first tranche and then a follow on order. When the discussions do begin on the Tejas Mk2, the Govt must commit towards 200 air frames at the onset. The GE assembly contract for the F414-INS6 turbofan will begin to see the light of day, post the announcement of Indo-US trade deal. So the engine should not be an issue.

Upgrades to the Tejas Mk2 can/should be planned alongside the production. Piecemeal tranche orders serve no purpose in the Indian context. Lockheed Martin had that luxury with the F-16 production, as there were multiple blocks through the aircraft's production schedule. Over 4,000 F-16s were produced in that manner. The Tejas Mk2 does not have that luxury. Commit to 200 and upgrades can happen, when improved radars & sensors come online.

[LakshmanPST]

2032 was always the expected date for Tejas Mk2 to enter production...
Tejas Mk2 was to enter production after Tejas Mk1A production ends...

[Rakesh]

2032 was always the expected date for Tejas Mk2 to enter production...
Tejas Mk2 was to enter production after Tejas Mk1A production ends...

Indeed. The anti-Rafale lobby on X is stating that the first Rafale will arrive only by the early 2030s. The Tejas Mk2 is in the same boat.

Doing rona-dhona about Rafale deliveries does not strengthen the argument of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It undermines it.

[nachiket]

2032 was always the expected date for Tejas Mk2 to enter production...
Tejas Mk2 was to enter production after Tejas Mk1A production ends...

Indeed. The anti-Rafale lobby on X is stating that the first Rafale will arrive only by the early 2030s.

Seems like a reasonable assumption. The deal isn't signed yet. That is probably months away. After signing it will take 3 years minimum for the deliveries to start. But it could be more since Dassault's order book is larger this time and would also depend on what configuration the IAF has asked for (F3R vs F4 etc. plus any ISE's). And we are already in 2026...

That said, 2032 for serial production of the Tejas Mk2 might also be a tad optimistic. The aircraft is substantially different (airframe, engine, avionics) from the Mk1A. 6 years for a full testing and certification program is just the bare minimum.

[Rakesh]

'Latkan' baba returns: Indian Air Force to integrate Rafale protector X-Guard on Tejas Mk2
https://zeenews.india.com/india/latkan- ... 14120.html
05 Feb 2026

X-guard is popularly called ‘Latkan Baba’ in the Indian military fraternity for its deployment style and work. Israeli X-Guard is an AI-enabled, fibre-optic towed decoy that spoofs enemy radars & missiles, rather than just passively jamming them.

[Khalsa]

6 years to full production is actually decent and reflects the maturity now kicking in.
Next step - public unveiling of the prototype which will restore Faith, followed by flight.

[Kartik]

Indeed. The anti-Rafale lobby on X is stating that the first Rafale will arrive only by the early 2030s.

Seems like a reasonable assumption. The deal isn't signed yet. That is probably months away. After signing it will take 3 years minimum for the deliveries to start. But it could be more since Dassault's order book is larger this time and would also depend on what configuration the IAF has asked for (F3R vs F4 etc. plus any ISE's). And we are already in 2026...

That said, 2032 for serial production of the Tejas Mk2 might also be a tad optimistic. The aircraft is substantially different (airframe, engine, avionics) from the Mk1A. 6 years for a full testing and certification program is just the bare minimum.

Rafale deliveries don't depend on configuration. Current Rafales being built are all to the F4 standard. So the IAF is going to get F4 with some enhancements that it'll want based on it's combat experience and Rafale roadmap that they'd have thought of.

I wouldn't hold my horses for the 2032 date for start of production of Tejas Mk2.

The Tejas Mk1A experience has really shown that with no structural changes, no engine change, no new IRST, no new internal EW suite, no new landing gear, no new control surfaces, the testing and integration of a new MC, radar, EW jammer pod and BVRAAM and ASRAAM integration itself is quite a challenge.

To integrate all the new capabilities of the Tejas Mk2, flight test and certify it is almost 80%-90% of the test points of the original Tejas Mk1 itself.