More potent Tejas Mark II to roll out next year: HAL chief

New Delhi, January 31

A more potent version of the indigenous Tejas multi-role combat jet featuring a much powerful engine, greater load-carrying capability and next-generation electronic warfare system is expected to be rolled out next year and its first high-speed trials will start in 2023, according to Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd R Madhavan.

He said the structural package and related work on the Tejas Mark II, which would have an array of superior avionics, was progressing well, and the production of the high-performance jet is likely to start around 2025.

Madhavan said the upgraded version would have a bigger fuselage, longer range, better maintainability, greater load-carrying capability, much stronger engine power and superior net-centric warfare systems.

With an increase in range and payload capability, Madhavan said the new variant would be much superior to the Tejas Mark-IA, 73 of which are being procured by the Indian Air Force from the HAL under a Rs 48,000-crore deal that was approved by the government on January 13.

“Tejas Mark II is likely to roll out by August-September of 2022. After that, the first flight will take some time. The first high-speed trial of the jet will start in 2023 and we expect the production to start somewhere around 2025,” Madhavan added.

Asked about the weapon package for Tejas Mark II, the chief of the state-run aerospace giant did not give a direct reply and said it would be decided at a later stage depending on the requirement and changing dynamics.

Tejas is a single-engine and highly agile multi-role supersonic fighter capable of operating in high-threat air environments. The aircraft, manufactured by the HAL, is a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support with reconnaissance and anti-ship operations as its secondary roles.

The Tejas Mk-IA will be equipped with active electronically scanned array radar, beyond visual range missile, electronic warfare suite and air-to-air refuelling system.

On the next generation advanced multi-role combat aircraft (AMCA) project, the HAL chairman said the aim was to implement the project under the framework of a special purpose vehicle (SPV), also involving private sector players.

India is working on the fifth-generation medium weight deep penetration fighter jet and the project is estimated to cost around USD 5 billion.

Madhavan said the aircraft prototype is likely to be ready by 2026 and its production could start by 2030. He added that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on the project timeline. — PTI

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