Tejas Mk2 Prototype Assembly Underway, Rollout Delayed to 2026: HAL’s Timeline Slips Again

In a development that has both intrigued and frustrated Indian defense observers, a new report indicates that the structural assembly of the first prototype of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet is currently underway at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with the rollout now slated for 2026. Although not yet officially verified by HAL or the Indian Air Force (IAF), this update — if accurate — marks yet another delay in India’s ambitious effort to field a next-generation fighter to replace its ageing fleet of Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft.

The Dream of Tejas Mk2

The Tejas Mk2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), is a significant upgrade over the existing Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants. Designed with a more powerful GE F414 engine, larger frame, greater payload capacity (up to 6.5 tonnes), enhanced avionics, and stealth features like radar cross-section (RCS) reduction, the Mk2 is envisioned as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter to bridge the capability gap until the arrival of India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The fighter has been positioned as a crucial element in the IAF’s modernization plans, with at least 120 units anticipated to be ordered once development is complete.

Timeline Slippage: What HAL Promised

Back in 2021, HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) had publicly declared that the first Tejas Mk2 prototype would roll out by late 2022 or early 2023, with the first flight planned for 2023-end or early 2024. This timeline aligned with the urgency expressed by the IAF to induct new aircraft amid falling squadron numbers.

However, in 2023, HAL revised its projection, stating that the rollout would occur in 2024, with the maiden flight expected by late 2024 or early 2025. This shift was attributed to COVID-era disruptions, supply chain issues, and design refinements based on evolving IAF requirements.

Now, with the new report suggesting a 2026 rollout, the Tejas Mk2 has officially slipped by nearly 3 years from its original public development schedule.

Reasons Behind the Delay

While no official reason has been cited for this latest delay, multiple factors are likely at play:

• Complex Engineering Challenges: Tejas Mk2 represents a near-complete redesign, not a simple upgrade. Integrating new systems, the GE F414 engine, and enhanced aerodynamic surfaces has posed design challenges.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Even as global supply chains are stabilizing post-COVID, delays in critical components — especially avionics and subsystems sourced from foreign suppliers — may be a factor.

• Budgetary and Bureaucratic Lag: While the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved ₹10,000+ crore in funding in 2022 for Tejas Mk2 development, disbursement and utilization processes within India’s defense ecosystem are notoriously slow.

• Workload at HAL: With HAL also deeply involved in the production of Tejas Mk1A, the LCH Prachand, HTT-40 trainers, and the AMCA project, resource allocation might be stretched.

Implications for the Indian Air Force

For the IAF, which is facing a worrying drop in operational fighter squadrons — currently hovering around 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42 — these delays carry strategic implications. The phasing out of Mirage-2000s, MiG-29s, and Jaguar aircraft in the coming decade means India is in urgent need of modern fighters.

While the IAF will begin receiving the Tejas Mk1A from HAL starting 2024, and possibly Rafale M or other MRFA aircraft if a deal is signed, the Mk2 was supposed to be the core medium-class platform by the early 2030s. The delay now pushes this induction timeline closer to 2031–2032, assuming no further slippages.

HAL’s Challenge: Rebuilding Trust

The Tejas program has always struggled with timelines. While the Mk1 took nearly two decades to enter squadron service, Mk1A is already years behind initial estimates. HAL must now focus on avoiding further delays, delivering on promised milestones, and ensuring flight testing of the Mk2 begins soon after rollout — lest the program lose momentum or political backing.

While delays in indigenous fighter programs are not uncommon — even in countries with established aerospace industries — the shifting timelines of the Tejas Mk2 underline the need for better project management, enhanced private sector involvement, and accountability mechanisms. If India truly seeks to become a self-reliant defense power, flagship projects like the Tejas Mk2 cannot afford indefinite postponements.

The 2026 rollout, if it occurs on time, will be a significant milestone. But to truly fulfill its potential, the Tejas Mk2 must now move from PowerPoint promises to runway reality.