Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pushing ahead with its Tejas Mk2 fighter jet plans, looking at making some of these jets before full certification wraps up. This could help speed up getting them from testing to active duty.
With the Indian Air Force (IAF) needing more fighters fast, reports suggest HAL is considering an initial run of six to eight jets, but they're waiting for the go-ahead from the IAF and the Ministry of Defence.
HAL's Chairman, Ravi Kota, said in a May 2026 call that the first Tejas Mk2 prototype is being assembled now. They expect to roll it out by March 2027, then start ground tests and the first flight, kicking off a series of tests and certifications.
This isn't HAL's first time doing this. They used a similar approach with the original Tejas, making eight early models that helped with testing and integrating systems.
Back in May 2025, HAL's then Chairman, D. K. Sunil, estimated that full certification would take about three years after the first flight. HAL usually starts prepping for production once the design is pretty much set.
The Tejas Mk2 is a big step up, with a stronger GE F414 engine and better capabilities. It's set to replace older jets like the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29, featuring new tech like AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare systems.
By starting production while still testing, HAL hopes to cut down on delays and get everything ready for full-scale production. But this comes with risks; if major changes are needed after testing, they might have to rework jets already in production.
Recent updates from HAL show the Tejas Mk2 is past the digital design stage. While the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) handles design, HAL is in charge of making the jets, all under the Ministry of Defence's guidance.
In September 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security gave the green light for the Tejas Mk2 program, providing about ₹6,500 crore in funding.
As HAL gears up for production, they face the challenge of coordinating a vast supply chain. Components often need to be ordered well in advance.
The groundwork laid during the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A projects is helping. HAL has outsourced more to Indian companies, boosting production efficiency.
Launching a few Tejas Mk2s early could let the IAF start getting ready for full-scale use. This lets pilots and crews get familiar with the jets while engineers work on final tweaks, potentially speeding up integration into the fleet.
