Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) worked with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to build the 4.5-generation indigenous Indian multi-role combat aircraft known as the TEJAS MK-2, or Medium Weight Fighter (MWF).
The TEJAS MK-2, which is intended to replace several older strike fighters in the Indian Air Force (IAF), such as the SEPECAT Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29, has a large amount of indigenous technology. After engine production licensing, the initial indigenous content of about 82% is anticipated to rise to over 90%. The aircraft is expected to go into major production by 2029 after being put out by 2025.
The Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, created by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of DRDO, offers sophisticated multi-target tracking, electronic warfare integration, and engagement capabilities beyond optical range. As of 2025, it is presently undergoing flight trials and lessens reliance on foreign radar equipment.
For the TEJAS MK-2, DRDO and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) collaborated to create an open-architecture mission computer. By combining navigation, weapon control, and sensor fusion, this system allows for smooth upgrades free from external dependencies.
This electronic warfare (EW) suite, created by the Defence Avionics Research Establishment of DRDO, offers threat jamming, countermeasure deployment, and radar warning. It is completely integrated with the aircraft’s sensors and improves survival in harsh situations.
The MK-2 has a digital quadruplex fly-by-wire technology that was developed in India. It reflects India’s strong avionics capabilities by providing improved handling at high angles of attack, increased stability during combat maneuvers, and many redundancies for safety.
Wide-area multifunction cockpit displays for a glass cockpit interface have been developed by HAL and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Pilots can obtain vital mission data more easily with these displays, which also enhance situational awareness and work with helmet-mounted displays.
The TEJAS MK-2 is equipped to carry domestic weapons including the DRDO-developed laser-guided bombs, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW), and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. By supporting a wholly Indian weapons package, this integration lessens the need for imported ammunition.
The MK-2’s usage of the more potent General Electric F414-INS6 engine and intentions to ultimately replace it with the domestic Kaveri jet engine type in order to achieve even more self-reliance are other noteworthy characteristics and advancements.
With over 82% indigenous content at launch and predicted to reach over 90% in subsequent manufacturing, these technologies together improve the TEJAS MK-2’s combat capability, survivability, and operational flexibility, making it a notable improvement over the original TEJAS.
With a target of mass production and induction into the Indian Air Force by 2028–2029, the TEJAS MK-2 is expected to launch as a prototype by late 2025 and make its first flight in 2026.
The TEJAS MK-2 program’s strategic emphasis on indigenization in India’s aerospace and defense industries is highlighted by the integration of these six important Made-in-India systems.
According to the WION Report
