Tejas Mk2 Jet Set for First Flight by Q1 2026, Promises Leap in India's Air Power

India's next-generation fighter jet, the Tejas Mk2, is steadily advancing toward its much-anticipated maiden flight, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Confirming the timeline, DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat stated that the advanced aircraft’s assembly and ground testing are progressing smoothly, keeping the project on track to roll out by March 2026 and fly soon after.

The Tejas Mk2 is not just an upgrade—it's a major leap over its predecessors. While the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A have strengthened the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) light fighter fleet, the Mk2 is being developed as a more powerful medium-weight multirole combat aircraft. It is designed to replace several aging aircraft types such as the Jaguar, MiG-29, and Mirage 2000, which have served the IAF for decades.

Key Technical Features of Tejas Mk2:

• Engine Power: At the heart of the Mk2 is the General Electric F414-GE-INS6 turbofan engine, delivering a strong 98 kilonewtons of thrust. This upgrade allows the aircraft to carry more fuel and a heavier weapons load over longer distances.

• Design and Size: Compared to Mk1, the Tejas Mk2 has a larger fuselage, greater internal fuel capacity, and bigger wings—resulting in improved stability, agility, and payload capacity.

• Radar and Sensors: A major leap in avionics comes from the integration of the indigenous Uttam AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, enabling simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets with high accuracy and resistance to jamming.

• Electronic Warfare (EW): The Mk2 will be equipped with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, enhancing survivability by detecting, jamming, and deceiving enemy radar and missiles.

• Weapon Payload: With 11 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 6.5 tonnes, the aircraft can carry a wide variety of weapons including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, precision-guided bombs, and stand-off weapons, making it capable of both air superiority and ground attack missions.

• Cockpit and Avionics: Pilots will benefit from a modern glass cockpit, touchscreen interfaces, and advanced data fusion systems for real-time mission management.

Currently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is focused on completing the prototype assembly and integrating all onboard systems by March 2026. Following this, the aircraft will undergo rigorous ground testing to ensure airworthiness and compliance with the Indian Air Force’s performance and safety benchmarks before its first flight.

The Tejas Mk2 is expected to become a central pillar in India’s future air combat fleet. The IAF has indicated a need for at least six squadrons (approximately 120 jets), with potential for more as older platforms are phased out. This aligns with the IAF’s goal to reach its full sanctioned strength and maintain operational readiness in an increasingly volatile regional environment.

Beyond military readiness, the Tejas Mk2 program also reinforces India’s ambition for self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The aircraft's development is stimulating the growth of India’s aerospace ecosystem, encouraging greater private sector participation, and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.

With every component and test milestone, the Tejas Mk2 is shaping up to be not just an aircraft, but a symbol of India’s rising technological and strategic capabilities in defense.