India’s Aeronautical Development Agency has issued a specialized tender for automated cable-harness testing associated with the first prototype of the LCA Mk2 fighter, indicating that the programme is moving deeper into aircraft systems integration.The tender, identified as GEM/2026/B/7909097, was published on August 12, 2026, with bids scheduled to close on August 22. The approximately five-month activity is specifically linked to Prototype Vehicle 1, or PVI.Electrical wiring harnesses connect many of the aircraft’s essential systems. These include flight-control computers, avionics units, sensors, communications equipment, electrical power systems, and other mission-critical components.Because a modern fighter contains a large and complex wiring network, checking every connection manually can be inefficient and may make fault detection more difficult. Automated testing allows engineers to examine the wiring systematically before the aircraft enters more advanced stages of testing.Such equipment can help verify continuity, insulation, connectivity, and other electrical characteristics. It can also identify incorrectly connected circuits or potential wiring faults before power is applied to the aircraft.The requirement is particularly important because PVI is intended to become the first flying prototype of the LCA Mk2. As structural assembly progresses toward full systems integration, validation of the electrical architecture becomes a necessary step before power-on activities and ground testing.The Mk2 represents a significant development beyond the existing Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A. The new fighter is being designed with a larger airframe, increased internal fuel capacity, greater payload potential, and a more advanced avionics architecture.The aircraft is also planned to use the General Electric F414 engine, placing it in a higher thrust category than the F404 engine used by existing Tejas variants.Although wiring inspections may receive less attention than engines, radar, or weapons, electrical reliability is fundamental to the operation of a modern combat aircraft. Problems discovered after systems have been energized can require extensive troubleshooting and potentially delay testing.Finding wiring issues before power-on can therefore reduce integration risks and avoid difficult access work once the aircraft’s systems are fully connected.The five-month duration of the proposed activity also indicates that the requirement involves a substantial part of the prototype’s electrical architecture rather than a simple inspection.The tender is one of several programme activities taking place as the LCA Mk2 moves toward major development milestones. HAL is working on prototype manufacturing and assembly while ADA continues procuring specialized systems and integration services.Taken together, these activities indicate that the first prototype is progressing from an airframe under construction toward a more complete aircraft ready for system-level testing.Automated harness testing will consequently serve as an important verification step before engineers begin powering the aircraft and conducting increasingly complex ground evaluations.
