As someone who has tracked India’s defence journey for years, I see the Tejas Mk2 Prototype as more than a fighter jet. It represents a turning point. On 4th October 2025, HAL confirmed that the first prototype is under assembly, with a second to follow in 2026. Yet, the rollout has been pushed to mid-2026, a delay from earlier plans.
At first, this may seem like a setback, but to me it reflects India’s resolve. Every indigenous system, from the Uttam AESA radar to advanced composites, must be proven. This is how India is shaping its airpower on its own terms.
Tejas Mk-2 Prototyping Begins | HAL Confirms Rollout Shift to 2026
On 20th September 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil confirmed that the Tejas Mk-2 has officially entered the prototyping stage. With the design phase complete and structural assembly underway, India’s next-generation fighter has moved from blueprints to the factory floor.
As of 4th October 2025, HAL clarified that the first airframe will be ready only by mid-2026, with rollout delayed due to flight control law refinements, Uttam AESA radar integration, EW system validation, and composite structure testing. The maiden flight is now expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Also Read: 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets approved – What it means for the IAF
Why the IAF Needs the Tejas Mk-2 to Replace Ageing Fleets
Lessons from Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-1A
The Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-1A demonstrated that India could design and manufacture a capable frontline fighter. These aircraft have proven their worth in service, but the IAF’s operational demands have since grown. Regional security challenges, particularly from China’s J-10C and Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III, require a platform with a longer range, greater payload capacity, and more advanced sensors.
Replacing Legacy Aircraft
The IAF’s Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fleets are nearing retirement. Without a capable successor, India risks losing critical mission flexibility. The Tejas Mk-2 is designed to replace all three, combining their roles into a single modern platform while reducing maintenance costs and simplifying pilot training.
CCS Approval and Strategic Goals
In September 2022, the bcleared the Tejas Mk-2 programme with an ambitious aim: to field a fighter that can rival the Gripen E and Rafale, yet deliver higher indigenous content and better cost efficiency.
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Tejas Mk-1A vs Mk-2 – Key Differences
| Feature | Tejas Mk-1A | Tejas Mk-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 84 kN (GE F404) | 98 kN (GE F414-INS6) |
| Max Payload | 3.5 tonnes | 6.5 tonnes |
| Range | ~1,850 km | ~2,500 km |
| Airframe | Tailless delta | Canard-delta |
| Radar | AESA (imported) | Uttam AESA (indigenous) |
| Indigenous Content | ~60% | 70%+ (target 85–90%) |
The Mk-2 is a complete redesign, incorporating lessons learned from earlier models. The addition of close-coupled canards, a larger fuselage, and refined aerodynamics improves agility, stability, and weapons-carrying capability.
Power, Sensors, and Survivability
Engine Performance
The GE F414-INS6 turbofan delivers 98 kN of thrust, enabling the Mk-2 to carry heavier weapons loads over greater distances. This thrust advantage also improves climb rate and manoeuvrability, even with full payload.
Advanced Sensor Suite
- Uttam AESA Radar (GaN-based) for superior detection and tracking.
- Indigenous IRST (Infrared Search and Track) for passive enemy detection.
- Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) for enhanced threat awareness.
Electronic Warfare Capabilities
The Mk-2 will carry indigenous jammers, towed decoys, and advanced countermeasure dispensers, ensuring operational effectiveness in contested environments.
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Pilot-Centric Design and Weapons Capability
Modern Cockpit and Controls
The Tejas Mk-2 cockpit is built around the pilot, featuring:
- Panoramic multi-function displays (MFDS) for better situational awareness.
- HOTAS controls (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) for quick combat manoeuvres.
- Quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system capable of automatic recovery from unsafe flight conditions.
These features reduce pilot workload and improve mission efficiency, especially during complex, high-stress operations.
Weapons Integration
The Mk-2 will support a wide weapons portfolio, including:
- Astra Mk-2 BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile)
- BrahMos-NG for precision strike
- Precision-guided munitions (PGMs)
- Future hypersonic missile systems
- CATS Warrior loyal wingman drone for unmanned teaming
This ensures the Mk-2 is ready for both current and future combat scenarios.
Related: CATS Warrior Drone – Loyal Wingman for Mk2 and AMCA
Regional Air Power Balance
Against JF-17 Block III
The Tejas Mk-2 will outclass the JF-17 Block III in:
- Radar range
- Weapons payload
- Operational range
- Survivability
Pakistan’s JF-17 uses a Chinese KLJ-7A AESA radar, but it lags behind the Uttam AESA in detection range and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM).
Challenging China’s J-10C
China’s J-10C is a capable 4.5-generation fighter, but the Mk-2’s combination of GE F414 thrust, Uttam AESA, and indigenous EW systems will allow it to compete on equal terms while costing less to operate.
Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Indigenous Content
Final assembly will take place at HAL Bengaluru, with major structural components produced at HAL Nashik.
A network of private Indian defence firms will supply:
- Composite structures
- Avionics
- Subsystems
DRDO laboratories will provide radar systems, electronic warfare gear, and flight control software.
This distributed manufacturing model strengthens supply chain resilience and supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Export Potential: Egypt, Argentina, Malaysia, and More
- Egypt – May view the Mk-2 as a lower-cost alternative to the Rafale.
- Argentina – Benefits from no UK-linked component restrictions, unlike other Western jets.
- Malaysia – Already evaluated the Tejas Mk-1A and could adopt the Mk-2 for tropical performance.
Exports could generate revenue, boost India’s defence diplomacy, and deepen military partnerships.
International interest in the Tejas Mk2 Prototype has already surfaced, with nations such as Egypt, Argentina, and Malaysia evaluating it as a cost-effective yet advanced combat aircraft for their air forces.
Development Roadmap – 2025 to 2030
Update – September 2025:
While the initial roadmap targeted a first flight by late 2026 or early 2027, HAL’s latest update indicates two major shifts:
- The first prototype rollout is now expected in late 2025 or early 2026, with ground testing following in Q1 2026.
- HAL plans to begin assembly of the second Tejas Mk2 prototype by late 2026, ensuring that parallel flight testing and validation can proceed faster once the prototype takes to the skies.
This approach reflects HAL’s attempt to compress the certification timeline by having multiple prototypes in different phases of testing, a method used globally to accelerate fighter development.
| Year/Period | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Mid–2026 | First prototype rollout (updated timeline) |
| Q3 2026 | Ground testing begins |
| Late 2026 | Second prototype assembly starts |
| Mid–Late 2027 | Maiden flight (likely revised projection) |
| 2027–2030 | Expanded flight test campaign |
| 2031–32 | Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and series production |
| 2032–33 | First six squadrons inducted (expected) |
Can Tejas Mk2 Stay Relevant Amid the Delays?
HAL’s plan to begin assembling a second prototype by 2026 is encouraging. It shows the programme is moving toward a multi-airframe test campaign, a proven approach in the US and Europe to speed up certification.
Still, the first flight has slipped to mid-to-late 2027, with squadron induction unlikely before 2032–33. Meanwhile, regional rivals are advancing rapidly — China is testing sixth-generation concepts, and Pakistan continues to upgrade its JF-17 Block III fleet.
For the Tejas Mk2 to stay relevant, HAL and DRDO must:
- Stick with the dual-prototype strategy to avoid cascading delays.
- Compress flight testing, drawing lessons from the Mk1A campaign.
- Safeguard the GE F414 engine deal from geopolitical roadblocks.
If executed well, the second prototype could be the game-changer that keeps Mk2 on track and ensures the IAF fields it in meaningful numbers by the mid-2030s.
Why the Tejas Mk2 Rollout Slipped to 2026
The shift to mid-2026 is not just a delay, but a deliberate step to ensure reliability. Key factors include:
- Refinements in flight control laws for higher payload stability
- Integration and validation of the Uttam AESA radar
- Testing of new composite structures to reduce weight
- Expanded electronic warfare suite and avionics upgrades
This cautious approach underscores India’s focus on validating indigenous technologies thoroughly before the first flight.
Future Upgrades: Directed-Energy Weapons, AI, and Naval Variant
The Mk-2’s open architecture allows future enhancements, such as:
- Directed-energy weapons for anti-drone and missile defence
- AI-assisted targeting and mission planning
- Naval carrier-based variant for INS Vikrant-class operations
Defence Analyst’s Perspective
The Tejas Mk2 is more than a fighter jet; it symbolises India’s push for true self-reliance in combat aviation. The shift to a mid-2026 rollout and a 2027 first flight may seem like a delay, but it reflects India’s careful approach—validating indigenous systems before taking to the skies. By the time it enters service around 2032–33, the Mk2 will stand as a credible, cost-efficient, and sovereign platform.
To stay competitive, HAL and DRDO must accelerate flight trials, compress certification timelines, and ensure production readiness. If executed on schedule, the Mk2 will not only strengthen India’s airpower but also reduce foreign dependence and pave the way for the AMCA.
India is no longer waiting to buy capability; it is building it on its own terms.