The evolution of Tejas fighter aircraft has been a remarkable success story for India's defence indigenisation. It was concieved as an LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) way back in the 1980s. Now, it is slowly graduating into an MMRCA (Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft). In what can be touted as a potential blockbuster addition to the arsenal of birds flown by the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to release designs for the fabrication of Tejas Mark 2 prototype. With this, the Indian Government’s aim to push for defence indigenisation has received a shot in the arm as the Indian Air Force approved comprehensive design review (CDR) for Tejas Mark 2 program on November 15, 2021. Mark 2 has been termed as a significant systemic upgrade on the Mark 1 program and has already created a sensation amongst defence enthusiasts.
Tejas Mark 2 game-changer for India's India's indigenous defence industry:
Key points:
1. A CDR is a critically examined technical review of the details and specifications of the design wherein an extensive and exhaustive examination of the system/component’s blueprint is undertaken. This is done to ensure that the design meets the operational requirements of the actual buyer/customer (here IAF) of the system (Tejas Mark 2).
2. With the CDR approved, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is all set to release the design prototype for the manufacturing of the first prototype which will be followed by its testing.
3. Tejas Mark 2 is said to be a significant upgrade on Mark 1 program in terms of its operational capabilities. A report by Business Standard (BS) suggests that Mark 2 is a Medium Weight Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMCA). Like Mark 1, it also has a delta-wing configuration though with an addition of canard fore-plane which will significantly improve its lift, flight control and hence its manoeuvrability especially in an event of a dogfight.
4. As per that same BS report, Mark 2 will employ an upgraded General Electric (GE) 414 INS6 engine (98 KN thrust) which is a massive upgrade from its current GE F-404 engine (83 KN thrust) thereby providing an improved thrust. This decision was taken by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The report further notes that Mark 2 has no plans currently to integrate Meteor beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles but will carry the Scalp missiles. A video report by Hindustan Times suggests that Mark 2 will carry weapons such as Spice 2000 and Crystal Maze. As per a report in Delhi Defence Review, Mark 2 is expected to have a maximum speed of 1.8 Mach compared to 1.6 Mach of Mark 1. Mark 2 will have an internal fuel capacity of 3300 kgs and wingspan is 8.5 metres, compared to 2400 kgs and 8.2 respectively for Mark 1, the report further notes.
5. A Report from Eurasian Times suggests that Mark 2 will also feature an onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS) which will help compensate for the decrease in oxygen levels at higher altitudes. It further notes that the aircraft will have a 6500 kg-external payload carrying capacity, which is almost double of what Mark-1(3500 kg) provides. The report further says that Mark 2 will also be equipped with indigenously developed Uttam AESA (Active electronically scanned array) radar which will help neutralise attempts of electronic warfare. Uttam AESA has been developed by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Mark 2 program is said to be the epitome of the government's “Make in India” initiative. It will also have an air-to-air refuelling capability, a feature included in Mark 1 in 2018.
6. In February 2021, Indian Air Force had signed a deal with HAL to procure 83 improved Tejas Mark 1A worth over 48000 crore rupees. The delivery of the first plane is scheduled before February 2024, with all the planes being delivered within a time frame of 9 years. In September 2021, former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria remarked that the force will need to procure 350 aircrafts over the next two decades to keep its operational capacity up to date.
