Tejas Mk2 First Flight Next Year, and Initial Induction by 2028: IAF Chief ACM Amar Preet Singh
India's indigenous fighter jet initiative has gained momentum as Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), laid out a clear timeline for the Tejas Mk2 program.
In a press briefing held on Friday, ACM Singh confirmed that the Tejas Mk2 is expected to have its first flight next year, with the research and development (R&D) phase concluding by December 2027. The Indian Air Force (IAF) looks forward to inducting the first units of this advanced fighter jet by 2028.
This announcement is encouraging for the IAF, which has pledged to acquire a minimum of 120 Tejas Mk2 aircraft. The Mk2 is anticipated to play a vital role in modernizing the IAF's combat fleet, replacing outdated aircraft and significantly enhancing India's air power capabilities.
"The Mk2 is slated to make its maiden flight next year and is projected to be inducted by 2028. We are planning for at least 120 LCA Mark-2 jets," Air Chief Marshal Singh stated.
Designed to be a more formidable successor to the Tejas Mk1, the Mk2 features improved range, higher payload capacity, and advanced avionics. The CAS highlighted the benefits of indigenous development, noting the efficiency and speed of integrating new weapon systems onto the Tejas Mk2 compared to foreign platforms. This flexibility is crucial for the IAF's ongoing modernization efforts.
Reflecting on previous delays with the Tejas Mk1 program, ACM Singh emphasized the necessity of learning from past experiences. He pointed out that transferring technology from design to production, even domestically, poses significant challenges that must be overcome to ensure the timely delivery of the Mk2.
"When it comes to Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, we must learn from what occurred with Mk1 and what led to the delays. We should work to ensure that such issues are resolved," he asserted.
In a notable shift from past practices, the CAS advocated for increased participation from the private sector in defense manufacturing. "We cannot rely solely on one agency. HAL has its limitations regarding what it can achieve within a specific timeframe; we need private industry to contribute significantly," he said.
This call for enhanced collaboration aligns with the Aeronautical Development Agency's (ADA) recent Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting private firms to produce structural components for the Tejas Mk2.
The ADA's EOI aims to engage private sector participation in manufacturing essential parts like fuselage sections, wings, tails, and canards. This initiative seeks to expedite production and ensure the Tejas Mk2 is delivered on time.
ACM Singh's definitive vision for the Tejas Mk2 program and his focus on collaboration between HAL and private industry herald a new era in India's defense production landscape.
With a set timeline and a commitment to learning from previous challenges, the IAF is on track to achieve its goal of a modernized, indigenously produced combat fleet, significantly supporting India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced or no information from this article should be used without written permission of theigmp.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copyright strikes, if we find same informations or the entire article without our permission, we will take necessary action.
No comments: