India’s next-generation light combat aircraft, the Tejas Mk-2, is being redesigned to close the performance gap with world-class fighter jets currently operated by major air forces, according to reports on the programme’s evolution.
The Mk-2 variant represents a significant leap from the Tejas Mk-1, which established India’s indigenous fighter aircraft capability. While the Mk-1 marked a major milestone for the Indian Air Force, the Mk-2 introduces a more powerful engine, enhanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and improved aerodynamic design to compete with fourth-generation fighters such as the Gripen, Rafale, and F-16.
Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in partnership with DRDO, the Tejas Mk-2 features an upgraded General Electric F414-GE-F6 engine, providing significantly higher thrust than the Mk-1’s powerplant. This improvement addresses one of the primary limitations of the earlier variant by enhancing acceleration, payload capacity, and overall combat performance.
The airframe has been redesigned with larger close-coupled canards and a refined fuselage to improve maneuverability while reducing radar signature. The Mk-2 will also carry more internal fuel and a larger weapons payload, significantly extending its combat radius and mission flexibility.
Its avionics suite includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar under development, an indigenous electronic warfare system, advanced mission computers, and modern fire-control systems. These upgrades will enable the aircraft to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike missions in complex operational environments.
The Indian Air Force has projected a requirement for around 114 Tejas fighters across the Mk-1A and Mk-2 variants to strengthen its combat fleet and address declining squadron numbers. The enhanced capabilities of the Mk-2 are also expected to improve its attractiveness in the global defence export market, particularly among countries seeking cost-effective multirole fighter aircraft.
The Tejas Mk-2 programme forms a key part of India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, aimed at reducing dependence on imported combat aircraft while strengthening the country’s indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities.
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