BENGALURU — Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has showcased a new-generation Head-Up Display (HUD) for fighter aircraft, offering a glimpse of the cockpit display technology being developed for future Indian combat aircraft. The specific unit displayed has not been officially identified as the HUD for the Tejas Mk2, but its capabilities are relevant to the aircraft's ongoing cockpit development.
The displayed system uses a transparent optical combiner positioned in front of the pilot. The HUD projects flight and mission information into the pilot's forward field of view, allowing information to be viewed without requiring the pilot to look down at cockpit displays. BEL describes its HUD technology as providing collimated information superimposed on the outside view.
BEL already supplies HUD technology for Indian light combat aircraft. Its listed HUD features include a 25-degree field of view, automatic brightness control, high reliability, compact size, built-in testing and readability in high ambient light conditions. BEL also lists a camera with automatic iris adjustment for different brightness levels.
CSIR-CSIO Developing HUD Mk2
The connection with the Tejas Mk2 is possible because CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) has a separate programme for the development and supply of HUD Mk2 units for the LCA Air Force Mk2 and TEDBF. CSIO's project records specifically identify this work as an ongoing development programme.
CSIO's HUD Mk2 development involves technologies including a digital light-engine display, waveguide optical collimation, a wider field of view, electronic harmonisation, automatic dimming and a digital interface. The system is also designed to generate flight symbols internally, providing greater independence in displaying flight information.
This development is separate from BEL's public confirmation of its own HUD products. Therefore, the specific BEL unit recently showcased cannot yet be identified as the production HUD for the Tejas Mk2.
HUD Integration Part of Tejas Mk2 Development
The Tejas Mk2 is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) serving as the design and production partner. The aircraft is planned as a more advanced development of the Tejas family, with upgraded avionics and other new systems.
ADA has also been progressing work on the Mk2 cockpit. According to the information provided, contracts issued in 2026 cover the aircraft's primary instrument panel and HUD mounting assembly, indicating that physical integration of the HUD remains part of the ongoing cockpit development.
The Mk2 cockpit is expected to use a more modern digital architecture, with large-area displays and other updated human-machine interfaces. The HUD will provide the pilot with flight information while maintaining a forward view of the external environment.
BEL's involvement in aircraft avionics is already established. In 2021, the company received an order from HAL for multiple airborne electronic systems for the LCA Tejas Mk1A programme, including equipment related to the Head-Up Display.
BEL also reported in March 2026 that it had received additional orders covering several defence products, including head-up displays, although the announcement did not identify the aircraft or programme associated with the HUD order.
For now, BEL has not officially confirmed that the newly showcased HUD is the production or qualification unit intended for the Tejas Mk2. The aircraft's final HUD configuration will depend on the ongoing development and integration process. The separate CSIR-CSIO HUD Mk2 programme, however, confirms that an advanced HUD capability is being developed specifically for the LCA Air Force Mk2 and TEDBF.
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