Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed the full structural assembly of the TEJAS MK-2 prototype airframe, marking a major milestone in India’s medium-weight fighter program. The aircraft is scheduled to undergo its first ground run in March 2027, with the maiden flight planned for later the same year.
The achievement marks the transition of the TEJAS MK-2 program from design and component-level manufacturing toward complete aircraft integration, strengthening its position within the Indian Air Force’s planned fighter fleet modernisation.
HAL has successfully joined the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections of the prototype, resulting in a complete airframe that can now proceed toward systems integration and ground testing.
HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director has indicated that the first ground run is targeted for March 2027, followed by flight trials expected between the middle and latter part of 2027.
TEJAS MK-2: Next-Generation Medium-Weight Fighter
The TEJAS MK-2 is being developed as a larger and more capable medium-weight fighter compared with the TEJAS MK-1A. The aircraft features an extended fuselage, close-coupled canards and advanced indigenous systems, including the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
The configuration is intended to improve aerodynamic performance while providing greater payload flexibility and extended combat range. The Indian Air Force has identified the aircraft as a potential replacement for ageing fighter fleets, including the Jaguar, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, with plans for more than 100 aircraft subject to production approval.
HAL has established a four-prototype testing strategy for the program. The first two prototypes are expected to concentrate on flight safety, aerodynamic evaluation and systems integration, while the third and fourth aircraft are planned to support live-weapons testing around 2030.
If the development schedule remains on track, full production clearance could be achieved by 2031. The phased testing approach is intended to validate the aircraft’s systems and performance before operational induction.
GE F414 Engine to Power TEJAS MK-2
The TEJAS MK-2 will be powered by the GE Aerospace F414-INS6 afterburning turbofan, which is rated to produce approximately 98 kN of thrust. The engine represents a significant increase in propulsion capability compared with the F404 engines used on earlier TEJAS variants.
HAL and GE Aerospace are progressing discussions on manufacturing the F414 in India, with an 80% technology-transfer arrangement under consideration. Domestic production could reduce dependence on imported engines and establish a more secure supply chain for future aircraft production.
Several F414 engines have already been supplied to support the prototype development and testing program.
Ground Testing and Flight Trials
The planned March 2027 ground run will allow HAL to assess the structural integrity of the completed aircraft and verify its internal systems before flight. Successful completion of these checks would clear the way for the prototype’s maiden flight later in 2027.
The milestones will be important for demonstrating the aircraft’s readiness and advancing the program toward certification. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) will oversee the necessary airworthiness clearances ahead of flight testing.
Although a formal production contract has yet to be concluded, HAL has continued advancing the program with support from the Indian Air Force.
The TEJAS MK-2 also forms part of India’s wider effort to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing. HAL is working with private-sector companies and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the supply chain to manufacture components and support aircraft development.
By combining indigenous avionics, advanced manufacturing technologies and a more powerful engine, the TEJAS MK-2 represents a significant step in India’s fighter-aircraft development efforts. Its planned rollout, testing and eventual induction are expected to contribute to the long-term modernisation of India’s combat-aircraft fleet and strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
