India’s Tejas Mk2 Fighter Jet Faces Fresh Delay as Former IAF Chief Highlights Landing Gear Challenges

India’s ambitious Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft programme has encountered another delay, raising fresh questions about the development timeline of one of the country’s most important indigenous combat aviation projects. The aircraft’s maiden flight is now expected in September 2027, replacing the earlier target of 2026. Former Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) RKS Bhadauria has highlighted landing gear integration challenges as a significant factor contributing to the revised schedule.

The latest development has brought renewed attention to the technical complexities involved in preparing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 for its first flight. The programme, being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is intended to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a more capable medium-weight multirole fighter.

According to Bhadauria’s remarks reported in recent media coverage, difficulties associated with the aircraft’s landing gear have affected development progress. The undercarriage is a critical component of any fighter aircraft because it must withstand substantial loads during take-off, landing and ground operations. Its integration also involves structural connections, hydraulic systems, braking arrangements and retraction mechanisms. Any engineering complication in these areas can require additional design work, testing and validation before an aircraft receives clearance for flight.

However, the precise technical nature of the reported landing gear challenge has not been publicly disclosed. There is also no confirmed indication that the aircraft has suffered a major structural failure or requires a complete redesign. The additional development work is intended to ensure that the aircraft meets the necessary safety and performance requirements before entering flight testing.

Under the revised programme timeline, the first Tejas Mk2 prototype is expected to be rolled out around March 2027, with its maiden flight planned approximately six months later. Before this milestone, the development team must complete several important activities, including structural evaluations, hydraulic system checks, engine integration, flight-control assessments and ground testing. These procedures are essential for establishing the aircraft’s airworthiness and ensuring safe initial flight operations.

The Tejas Mk2 represents a substantial advancement over the existing Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants. It is being designed with a more powerful General Electric F414 engine, increased internal fuel capacity, improved avionics, advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, and greater weapons-carrying capability. The aircraft is expected to offer improved operational range, payload capacity and overall combat performance.

The fighter is particularly important for the Indian Air Force’s long-term modernisation plans. It is expected to help replace ageing combat aircraft, including the Mirage 2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fleets, as these platforms gradually approach the end of their operational service lives. Its development is also expected to strengthen India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities and support future advanced fighter programmes.

The revised schedule highlights the challenges of developing a sophisticated combat aircraft while integrating multiple advanced systems and meeting demanding certification requirements. Although the delay is a setback, completing the necessary engineering and testing work remains essential before the aircraft can enter operational development.

For India, the successful development of Tejas Mk2 will be an important milestone in achieving greater self-reliance in military aviation. The programme’s progress over the coming months will therefore remain closely watched by defence planners, the aerospace industry and the Indian Air Force.