The Ministry of Defence has confirmed clear timeline milestones for India's indigenous fighter aircraft development programs, targeting the maiden flight of the Tejas Mk-2 between June and September 2027, followed by the first flight of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fifth-generation prototype in September 2028. Announced by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, these schedules define the roadmap for replacing the Indian Air Force's aging Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fighter fleets.
The 17.5-ton Tejas Mk-2, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), represents a medium-weight multirole fighter powered by the 98 kN GE F414 engine. Designed with a canard configuration, increased internal fuel capacity, and 13 hardpoints, the Mk-2 integrates indigenous electronics including the Uttam AESA radar, infrared search-and-track (IRST) sensors, and advanced electronic warfare suites to deploy Astra BVR air-to-air missiles and standoff precision munitions. Concurrently, the twin-engine AMCA stealth fighter program is moving forward to establish a fifth-generation capability featuring low-observable radar cross-section airframe designs, internal weapons bays, and sensor fusion, with private sector defense consortia actively competing for prototype fabrication to build a dual manufacturing base alongside state-owned entities.
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