Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has completed full structural assembly of the TEJAS MK-2 prototype, with the first ground run planned for March 2027 and the maiden flight expected later that year. HAL has joined the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections, moving the program toward aircraft-level integration and testing. The medium-weight fighter is larger than the MK-1A and features an elongated fuselage, close-coupled canards and systems including the indigenous Uttam AESA radar. The Indian Air Force intends the MK-2 to replace ageing Jaguar, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fleets, with more than 100 aircraft planned after production clearance. HAL intends to use four prototypes, with the first two focused on flight safety, aerodynamics and systems integration and the final two supporting live-weapons testing around 2030. Production clearance is expected by 2031 if the schedule remains on track. The aircraft will use the GE Aerospace F414-INS6 afterburning turbofan, producing 98 kN of thrust. HAL and GE are discussing Indian production of the engine with an 80% technology-transfer arrangement.
