HAL Tejas Mk2
| Industry | Aerospace and defense |
|---|---|
| Founded | December 23, 1940 in Bangalore, India |
| Headquarters | Bangalore , India |
| Products | Military aircraft, including HAL Tejas Mark 2 |
| Parent | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
The HAL Tejas Mark 2 (), also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), represents a 4.5 generation, single-engine, canard-equipped delta wing multirole combat aircraft developed in India by the Aeronautical Development Agency and the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. As a progression of the original HAL Tejas, this variant incorporates a lengthened airframe, closely coupled canards, enhanced sensor systems, and a more powerful propulsion unit. The initial prototype is projected to be unveiled by 2025, with its maiden flight slated for 2026 and full-scale production commencing by 2029.
The Tejas Mark 2 is intended to succeed multiple IAF strike platforms such as the SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29, aiming to elevate operational effectiveness through advanced indigenous technologies. The indigenous content is initially targeted at 82%, with expectations to exceed 90% following licensed engine production.
MWF Programme
Conceived to address the shortcomings of the Tejas Mark 1 and Mark 1A and to conform with the Indian Air Force’s original Light Combat Aircraft specifications, the Tejas Mark 2 (Medium Weight Fighter - MWF) was approved in November 2009 as part of phase three of full-scale engineering development (FSED). This evolution transitioned from a scaled-up version of the Tejas to an independent medium-weight fighter design. Preliminary design work was completed by 2014, with detailed design progressing through 2015.
Revealed at Aero India 2019, this 17.5-tonne fighter incorporates close-coupled canards and an integrated Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. Metal-cutting commenced in February 2021, with plans for four prototypes. The initial prototype rollout was originally planned for August 2022 but experienced delays pushing it to late 2022; the first flight was anticipated by late 2023.
By November 2021, the ADA had authorized production of 20 aircraft subsystems, aiming for a 70% indigenous content—an increase from 62% in the Mark 1A—by substituting foreign components with matured domestic technologies. HAL allocated approximately 25% of manufacturing tasks to private industry partners, expanding suppliers of line-replaceable units from 344 to 410.
On September 1, 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security sanctioned ₹10,000 crore for prototype development and flight trials. The total development expenditure stands at ₹6,500 crore plus ₹2,500 crore previously funded internally. HAL scheduled high-speed taxi tests for 2023 and planned limited series production starting in 2025, targeting completion by 2027 and serial production commencement by 2030. Operational deployment is expected by 2028 with initial procurement of around 110-120 units forming six squadrons; a subsequent order for an additional 210 aircraft is anticipated.
Interest from sixteen countries was reported at DefExpo 2022. To enhance production rates and reduce export costs, the Indian government plans collaboration with private sector firms under a special purpose vehicle framework. HAL is assembling a consortium to accelerate manufacturing after some private entities withdrew.
Despite earlier setbacks, as of mid-2023, the first prototype rollout was targeted for December 2023 with a first flight aimed for December 2024. However, in December 2023, revised timelines deferred rollout to late 2026 or early 2027 and maiden flight to 2028 due to funding delays and increased indigenous content goals raised from 65% to 80%.
A high-level review on August 9, 2024, led by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat confirmed that project milestones remain on schedule; only delivery of the F414 engine remains pending. Prototype assembly began in September 2024 at Bengaluru under supervision by the IAF’s Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, with extensive testing planned.
In October 2024, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh forecasted the first flight by October 2025 and research and development completion by December 2027.
By February 2025, FlightGlobal reported that approximately 55% of the first prototype had been completed; wings and forward fuselage were nearing readiness while center fuselage assembly was finished; rear fuselage production was imminent. Prototype rollout is planned for late-2025 with first flight scheduled for Q1-2026. Four prototypes are expected to be ready by 2027; final operational clearance and induction are anticipated between 2028 and 2029. The aircraft will be outfitted exclusively with indigenous weapons across eleven hardpoints. A one-year delay caused by funding issues was resolved in September 2023. Six F414-INS6 engines have been modified and qualified for prototype use; propulsion integration successfully passed ground testing in January.
Currently powered by the American GE F414 engine delivering thrust of approximately 98 kN, India intends to domestically produce about 80% under technology transfer agreements involving GE and HAL. Due to supply delays and escalating costs, alternatives such as France’s Safran engine—which offers higher thrust (110 kN) along with improved speed, payload capacity, and endurance—are being considered.
On July 8, 2025, PMO Principal Secretary PK Mishra reviewed program progress during a visit to HAL’s LCA Mk2 Hangar.
This initiative highlights India's strategic emphasis on developing indigenous fighter manufacturing capabilities aimed at fulfilling national defense requirements while enhancing export prospects through partnerships involving private industry and international collaborations.
Design
Building upon certain design aspects and essential systems from the Tejas Mark 1A, the Tejas Mark 2 integrates advancements developed under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft initiative. Its airframe incorporates multiple features aimed at reducing radar cross-section to enhance frontal stealth, including radar-absorbent coatings, composite materials for the skin, and twisted air-intake ducts. The aircraft adopts a tail-less compound delta-wing configuration combined with a single vertical stabilizer and close-coupled canards to improve agility, all managed by sophisticated fly-by-wire controls.
This fighter is outfitted with an indigenous life-support system featuring an onboard oxygen generation unit (ILSS-OBOGS) developed by the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, alongside a health monitoring system designed by the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology. Additionally, it boasts an integrated electro-optic electronic warfare suite to augment its avionics. The ADA engineered larger air intakes to suit the GE F414 INS6 engine, utilizing expanded fuselage space for this purpose.
For enhanced threat detection, the aircraft includes an infra-red search and track (IRST) system and a missile approach warning system. With increased payload capacity reaching and internal fuel storage exceeding , it can carry a greater variety of armaments over extended distances.
During Exercise Tarang Shakti held on August 16, 2024, at Sulur Air Force Station, MRF launched its Aero-Muscle tire specifically tailored for the Tejas Mark 2. These tires are engineered to withstand higher loads, speeds, and more demanding operational environments compared to the Mark 1/1A’s 26 X 8.0-14 size; the Mark 2 utilizes larger 27.5 X 7.5-16 tires.
Sensors and avionics
The avionics suite of the Tejas Mark 2 emphasizes multisensor data fusion by combining active and passive sensors onboard. It employs a version of the Uttam AESA Radar developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, incorporates an integrated IRST system for passive target detection, and features a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) to enhance survivability. It also includes a new Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC). Communication security is ensured through an indigenous software-defined radio tactical data link supporting network-centric warfare capabilities via the Air Force Network digital infrastructure.
To improve reliability and reduce failures, an additional auxiliary computer works in tandem with the Mission Management and Display Computer (MMDC) and DFCC, forming a triple-redundant computing architecture that maintains functionality under combat conditions. This auxiliary unit synthesizes real-time inputs from radar, EW systems, and infrared tracking sensors to provide pilots with a consolidated situational awareness display, facilitating better decision-making and mission effectiveness.
Cockpit
The Tejas Mark 2 cockpit is designed with compatibility for night vision goggles and features a panoramic touch-enabled wide-area display along with a wide-angle holographic head-up display. It incorporates an ergonomically optimized hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) control layout aimed at minimizing pilot workload.
Manual switches and buttons have been significantly reduced in favor of touchscreen controls that align with modern pilot interface requirements. Control placements allow pilots to access functions swiftly without unnecessary movement. Mission software automates activation of radar and missile systems while providing timely notifications to the pilot.
Propulsion
The Tejas Mark 2 utilizes the F414-GE-INS6 engine, which generates 98 kN of thrust and offers enhanced fuel efficiency compared to the F404 IN20 engine employed in the Mark 1 and 1A models. The design includes provisions for eventually substituting this powerplant with a domestically developed engine once it becomes available.
By 2023, a total of eight F414 engines had been delivered to the Aeronautical Development Agency as part of a contract for 99 units.
The engine choice followed a 2008 request for proposal process, which separated the indigenous Kaveri engine from the Tejas program. Both the GE F414 and the Eurojet EJ200 met the requirements; however, after negotiations, GE’s proposal was more cost-effective. Consequently, on 1 October 2010, ADA selected the F414-GE-INS6 variant and placed an order for 99 engines. The initial batch was to be supplied by GE, with subsequent production planned in India through technology transfer subject to U.S. government approval.
On 22 June 2023, HAL and GE formalized a memorandum of understanding to jointly manufacture the engine within India. By mid-2023, all necessary approvals from the U.S. government had been obtained.
As of August 2024, discussions regarding technology transfer were scheduled to commence, with the final contract anticipated within six months. Indigenous manufacturing is planned at a new facility in Bengaluru, aiming to begin operations within two years following agreement finalization, and deliveries expected within three years thereafter. By September 2024, India established a negotiation committee comprising members from the Ministry of Defence, HAL, ADA, and GTRE; significant involvement from private industry is expected for much of the production workshare.
By June 2025, HAL Chairman Dr. D.K. Sunil announced that technical negotiations—including those covering technology transfer—had been completed. Commercial discussions were set to begin soon after, with an expected conclusion within three months. The overall agreement with GE Aerospace is projected to be finalized by March 2026.
Operators
Indian Air Force – 10 squadrons in total
- Phase 1 – comprising 6 squadrons
- Phase 2 – consisting of 4 squadrons