In a significant announcement for India's defence aviation sector, the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dr. Samir V Kamat, has confirmed the anticipated timeline for the maiden flight of the much-awaited Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-2. The advanced fighter jet is now expected to take to the skies for the first time around June or July of 2026.
DRDO Chief Provides Crucial Timeline Update
Dr. Kamat made this pivotal revelation during an interaction with the media, providing a clearer picture of the project's progress. He stated that the manufacturing of the first prototype is actively underway at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) facility. The current focus is on completing the structural assembly of the aircraft, a critical phase before systems integration and ground testing can commence in earnest.
The DRDO chief expressed confidence in the revised schedule, indicating that the major design and development hurdles have been addressed. This announcement sets a firm target for the teams at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL, who are collaborating closely to realise this ambitious indigenous project.
Capabilities and Features of the Tejas Mk-2
The LCA Tejas Mk-2 is not merely an upgrade but a substantial leap forward from the current Mk-1A variant in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is designed as a 4.5-generation, canard-configuration fighter aircraft with significantly enhanced capabilities.
Key features that set the Mk-2 apart include:
- Greater payload and range: It will be a heavier, more powerful aircraft capable of carrying a larger arsenal of weapons over longer distances.
- Advanced avionics: The jet will be equipped with a state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar and modern electronic warfare suites.
- Increased fuel capacity: Designed with more internal fuel and provisions for external drop tanks, addressing one of the key limitations of earlier variants.
- Powerful engine: It will be powered by the General Electric F414-INS6 engine, offering greater thrust and reliability.
This aircraft is envisioned as a potent force multiplier for the IAF, intended to replace the ageing fleets of Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighters, thereby bolstering India's air defence capabilities with a modern, homegrown solution.
Strategic Importance and the Road Ahead
The confirmation of the first flight timeline is a major morale booster for India's defence aerospace ecosystem. The Tejas Mk-2 programme is a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force's future fleet planning. A successful and timely development cycle is crucial to maintaining the IAF's squadron strength and operational readiness.
The journey from the first flight in 2026 to operational service will involve an extensive flight-testing programme. Multiple prototypes will be built to test various performance parameters, weapon integrations, and systems. If the development proceeds as planned, the aircraft is expected to enter serial production and induction into the IAF in the early 2030s.
This project underscores India's growing commitment to self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in critical defence technologies. The success of the LCA Mk-2 will not only provide the armed forces with a cutting-edge platform but also cement the technical expertise of Indian scientists, engineers, and the domestic defence manufacturing industry on the global stage.
