DRDO and IAF High-Level Review Meeting Boosts Tejas Mk-II Development: First Flight Set for 2026

In a pivotal moment for India's indigenous fighter jet program, a high-level review meeting was recently held to accelerate the development of the Tejas Mk-II, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF). This meeting brought together top officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to discuss the project's progress and chart a path forward. 

Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, the meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders, including the Deputy Chief of Air Staff, representatives from DRDO laboratories, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), and the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC). These experts provided comprehensive updates on the Tejas Mk-II’s status, assessed risks, and outlined mitigation strategies.

The urgency of this meeting signals a renewed commitment to advancing the Tejas Mk-II project, a crucial component of India's broader defense strategy. The first prototype's assembly is expected to begin within the next two months, with a rollout anticipated by late 2025. If all goes according to plan, the much-awaited maiden flight of the aircraft could take place in 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The Tejas Mk-II represents a significant upgrade from the current HAL Tejas fighter jet. It features an elongated airframe, advanced canards for improved maneuverability, state-of-the-art sensors, and upgraded avionics systems. The aircraft will also be powered by a more potent engine, giving it enhanced combat capabilities. These advancements position the Tejas Mk-II as a formidable asset for the IAF, designed to replace aging fleets of SEPECAT Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft.

The Tejas Mk-II is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic necessity. With the IAF facing challenges in maintaining a robust fighter fleet, the Tejas Mk-II is expected to fill critical gaps in the nation's air defense capabilities. This aircraft is part of a broader push by India to reduce its dependence on foreign-made defense equipment and to bolster its indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

The recent high-level review underscores the Indian government's and the IAF’s unwavering dedication to the Tejas Mk-II program. The accelerated timeline for its development reflects the urgency with which India is pursuing its goal of self-reliance in defense. As the Tejas Mk-II moves closer to its first flight, it stands as a testament to India's growing expertise in fighter jet development and its determination to secure its skies with homegrown technology.

This commitment to advancing the Tejas Mk-II program is more than just a technical endeavor; it is a statement of India's intent to assert its sovereignty in the realm of defense. With the first flight targeted for 2026, the Tejas Mk-II is set to become a cornerstone of India's air power in the coming years.