HAL Tejas Mk2: India’s defence sector has made significant progress in aerospace technology, and the HAL Tejas program is a great example of this growth. The Indian Air Force is now preparing to enhance its strength with the HAL Tejas Mk2, a major upgrade from its earlier version. The Tejas Mk2 is not just a fighter jet; it represents India’s ambitions with improved technology, better performance, and advanced features.
According to Maps of India, The Tejas program began in the 1980s as part of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project. The aim was to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets. The Tejas Mk1 helped India enter the league of countries that can develop their own fighter jets. It was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
As per IDRW, Tejas MkII, India’s next-gen fighter jet, is set to roll out by November 2025, with its first flight planned for March 2026. HAL and ADA are gearing up for major updates at Aero India 2025, finalizing assembly and system integration. Low and high-speed taxi trials will begin in December 2025. The MkII, an upgraded version of Tejas Mk1, will enhance range, payload, and avionics, replacing older jets like the Jaguars and MiG-29s.
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All you need to know about Tejas Mk2
While the Tejas Mk1 and its improved Mk1A variant have performed well, they have limitations in range and payload capacity. The Tejas Mk2 is designed to overcome these challenges. It is a medium-weight fighter jet that bridges the gap between the lightweight Tejas Mk1 and heavier jets like the Rafale.
Design and Size
The Tejas Mk2 is larger and more powerful than the Mk1. It measures 14.6 meters in length with a wingspan of 8.5 meters, compared to the Mk1, which is 13.2 meters long with a wingspan of 8.2 meters. With its bigger size, the Mk2 can carry a payload of 6,500 kg, almost double the capacity of the Mk1.
Engine and Performance
The Tejas Mk2 is powered by the General Electric F414-INS6 engine, producing 98 kN of thrust, compared to the Mk1’s F404-GE-IN20 engine, which generates 84 kN of thrust. This extra power enhances speed, agility, and combat range. The aircraft can reach a top speed of Mach 1.8 and has a combat range of approximately 1,500 km.
Stealth Capabilities
The Tejas Mk2 features stealth technology, making it harder to detect. It has a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and a lower infrared signature. The use of composite materials, radar-absorbing coatings, and an internal weapons bay improves its stealth capabilities, giving it an edge in modern air combat.
Advanced Avionics and Weapons
The jet is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, and an Electronic Warfare (EW) suite. It is a true multirole fighter, capable of air superiority missions, ground attacks, maritime strikes, and reconnaissance.
Modern Cockpit and Pilot Assistance
The cockpit of the Tejas Mk2 is designed for efficiency and ease of use. It has a fully digital system with touchscreen displays and a holographic head-up display (HUD). An advanced fly-by-wire system ensures better control, allowing the pilot to focus on mission execution.
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How Tejas Mk2 is going to help India in achieving self reliance
The Tejas Mk2 is a great step in India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, featuring more indigenous components than the Mk1. Indian firms like BEL, BDL, and DRDO are supplying critical subsystems, including radars and avionics. The government plans to order around 120 jets to strengthen the Indian Air Force.
The Tejas Mk2 competes with the F-16 Block 70, Gripen E, and JF-17 Thunder. While the F-16 has combat experience and the Gripen E boasts advanced tech, the Tejas Mk2 offers lower costs and outperforms the JF-17 in power, avionics, and payload. Though it lacks the stealth of Rafale or F-35, it remains an affordable multirole fighter with export potential.
The program faces development delays, high costs, and tech integration hurdles. Timely certification and production are crucial. Gaining global buyers is another challenge, as its performance must be proven in real combat to earn international trust.
