India Tejas Mk2: India is building a stronger and smarter fighter jet called Tejas Mk2, and it’s showing how far the country has come in defence and technology. This jet is not just fast and powerful it’s almost completely made in India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are working together on it, and already, more than 75% of the jet’s systems and parts are made right here at home.
The cost of each Tejas Mk2 is expected to be around $50 to $60 million, which is quite low when compared to other jets in the world with similar features, reported India.com.
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The jet is part of India’s big “Make-in-India” plan. Tejas Mk2 has been designed, tested, and built by Indian engineers, with thousands of them working on it from cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. They have already filed more than 200 patents just for this one jet. This shows how much research and thinking has gone into it. Tejas Mk2 is not just an upgrade it’s a complete step up from the older version. With the new design, it is now 75% more advanced than before. It even has special wings called canards, which help in flying better and faster.
India Tejas Mk2 Features
Next-Level Radar
One of the biggest changes in Tejas Mk2 is the radar. The new radar, called Uttam AESA, is built using advanced gallium nitride materials. It can track over 50 targets at the same time. This is one of the best radars in the world, and the best part is it’s fully Indian. Only a few countries like the US and some in Europe have this kind of radar. Now India joins that list.
Weapons Onboard
Tejas Mk2 also carries smart bombs and Indian-made Astra missiles. These weapons are built in India and have been tested to match global standards. The guidance system inside these weapons is also Indian-designed, and final public trials are expected to happen in 2025. With these weapons onboard, the jet is ready for modern warfare.
Onboard oxygen system
The plane also comes with India’s very own onboard oxygen system. It means the pilot will get clean oxygen in every flight without needing outside help. This system, which was once imported, is now made and patented by DRDO. It helps in making the flights safer and makes repairs easier too.
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Stealthy Build
The way Tejas Mk2 is built makes it strong but light. Around 90% of the outside body is made using special composite materials. These are not only lightweight but also help the jet stay hidden from enemy radars. These materials make the jet up to 75 percent less visible to radar systems. Earlier, such materials were not made in India, but now DRDO and National Aerospace Labs have made it possible. These materials are now also being used in aircraft meant for exports.
Smart Defence Tech
Another powerful system in Tejas Mk2 is its electronic warfare suite. Everything in this system, from the sensors made by BEL to the software written by DRDO, is Indian. This tech helps the jet jam enemy radar, defend itself using smart counterattacks, and also gather important info during battles. It’s one of the main reasons the jet is more likely to survive and win in a fight.
