Tejas Mark-2 project reportedly approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security

• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reportedly approved the Tejas Mark-2 project.
• The CCS has approved ₹6,500 crore for prototypes, flight testing and certification.
• The production of the Tejas Mark-2 is expected to begin around 2030.

The Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reportedly approved the Tejas Mark-2 project to boost India’s push for indigenous fighter aircraft.

According to a
report by The Times of India, the CCS on Wednesday approved the Tejas Mark-2 project at a cost of over ₹6,500 crore. The government had already sanctioned ₹2,500 crore for the project. The ₹6,500 crore will reportedly be used for prototypes, flight testing and certification.

Tejas is an indigenously developed light multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India has already ordered 40 Tejas Mark-1 aircrafts, 10 Mark-1 trainers and 73 Tejas Mark-1A aircrafts.

While the Tejas Mark-1 is a lightweight aircraft, the Tejas Mark-2 will be a medium-weight aircraft and has been designed to be used for offensive operations in enemy territories.

“Lightweight Tejas Mark-1 is primarily meant for air defence. Medium-weight Mark-2 fighter, with its heavy standoff weapons, will be for offensive operations into enemy territory. Its critical design review is complete,” a source familiar with the matter told The Times of India.

The Tejas Mark-1, which weighs around 13.5 tonnes, was designed to replace the MiG-21s, and the Tejas Mark-2, which is expected to weigh around 17.5 tonnes, is expected to replace the Mirage and the Mig-29

The Tejas Mark-2’s first flight test will reportedly be conducted in the next two to three years and the production is expected to begin around 2030.

In addition to the Tejas Mark-2, the government is also planning on approving the fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) with stealth features and supercruise capabilities. The CCS is expected to approve ₹15,000 crore for the AMCA project.

The Tejas Mark-2 will be equipped with the GE-414 engines in the 98 Kilonewton thrust class and offer a longer combat range and an increased weapon carrying capacity compared to the Tejas Mark-1.

The Tejas Mark-2 will be an important part of the country’s armed forces. “Fly-by-wire, avionics, composites and other technologies have already been proven in Tejas Mark-1. The new project will upscale those into bigger and more powerful fighters. IAF is likely to induct at least six squadrons (110-120) of Tejas Mark-2,” the source added.

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