CHENNAI — June 01, 2026 : Data Patterns (India) Limited has confirmed that cockpit and mission-system technologies being developed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 programme will directly support India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), creating a technological link between the two indigenous fighter programmes.
The company is developing advanced avionics, smart cockpit systems, mission computers, display technologies, and sensor-fusion architecture for the Tejas Mk2. According to industry reports, several of these systems are being designed for future scalability, allowing them to be adapted for the AMCA as development progresses.
For the Tejas Mk2 programme, Data Patterns is working on a next-generation glass cockpit architecture featuring high-brightness rugged multifunction displays (MFDs), digital mission-management systems, pilot-machine interfaces, and integrated sensor-fusion capabilities intended to improve pilot situational awareness during operations.
The cockpit systems include custom LED backlights, compatibility with Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS), and compliance with military standards such as MIL-STD-810 and DO-178B. The company is also integrating digital flight-control infrastructure and multi-sensor data fusion technologies for the aircraft.
The avionics and cockpit architecture developed for the Tejas Mk2 are expected to provide the foundation for the AMCA’s cockpit environment, mission-management systems, and sensor-processing framework. By adapting tested technologies from the Tejas Mk2, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and industry partners aim to reduce development risks, shorten integration timelines, and support the AMCA’s network-centric warfare and stealth requirements.
The Tejas Mk2 is considered an important technology bridge toward the AMCA programme. The aircraft is a larger and more capable evolution of the Tejas Mk1A, featuring increased payload capacity, greater combat radius, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and more advanced sensors.
The AMCA is being developed as a twin-engine, stealth-capable multirole fighter designed for air-superiority, deep-strike, suppression of enemy air-defence, and electronic warfare missions. The aircraft is expected to feature internal weapon bays, sensor fusion, indigenous mission avionics, advanced mission computers, and integrated data-link systems.
The cockpit and mission-system development forms part of the broader ₹15,000 crore AMCA prototype programme. Data Patterns, along with other private-sector defence firms, will work with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support the construction of five flying prototypes and one structural test aircraft.
A new greenfield manufacturing facility is being established in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, to support integration and testing activities for the AMCA programme.
The Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for AMCA prototype development and manufacturing, with multiple Indian private defence firms participating under the programme managed by ADA within the DRDO framework.
The Tejas Mk2 is expected to make its first flight in 2026, while the AMCA programme aims for prototype rollout by late 2026 or early 2027, followed by a maiden flight in 2028. Serial production of the aircraft is targeted for the mid-2030s.
The use of common technologies across the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA programmes is expected to standardise key avionics systems, simplify testing and certification, and improve long-term maintenance and operational logistics for future Indian Air Force fighter fleets.
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