Tejas Mk1 vs Tejas Mk2: A Comprehensive Comparison of India’s Indigenous Fighter Jets

India’s quest for indigenous defence capabilities has made significant strides in the last two decades, particularly in the realm of combat aviation. The HAL Tejas, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), represents India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence under the “Make in India” initiative. As the Tejas Mk1 enters operational service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), its successor — Tejas Mk2 — is being developed with enhanced capabilities to meet future combat challenges.

This article explores a comprehensive comparison between Tejas Mk1 and Tejas Mk2, diving into aspects like design, performance, avionics, weapon systems, and strategic significance.

1. Design and Airframe

Tejas Mk1:

• Category: 4th-generation light combat aircraft (LCA).
• Length: 13.2 meters.
• Wingspan: 8.2 meters.
• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~13.5 tonnes.
• Airframe Composition: Over 60% composite materials to reduce weight and radar signature.
• Air Intake: Fixed geometry air intake.
• Fuel Capacity: Internal fuel capacity of about 2,458 kg.

Tejas Mk2:

• Category: 4.5-generation medium weight fighter (MWF).
• Length: 14.65 meters (1.45 meters longer than Mk1).
• Wingspan: 8.5 meters.
• MTOW: ~17.5 tonnes (a significant increase).
• Airframe Enhancements:
  • Stretched fuselage for more internal fuel.
  • Canards added for improved aerodynamic control and maneuverability.
  • Greater use of composite materials and optimized stealth shaping.
• Fuel Capacity: Increased internal capacity (~3,300 kg), improving endurance.

Verdict: Tejas Mk2 represents a considerable design evolution, offering a larger and more capable airframe with better range and payload capability.

2. Engine and Performance

Tejas Mk1:

• Engine: General Electric F404-GE-IN20.
• Thrust: 84 kN (with afterburner).
• Speed: Mach 1.6.
• Service Ceiling: ~15,000 meters.
• Range: ~1,700 km (ferry range with drop tanks: ~3,000 km).

Tejas Mk2:

• Engine: General Electric F414-GE-INS6 (higher thrust version).
• Thrust: ~98 kN (afterburner).
• Speed: Mach 1.8+.
• Service Ceiling: >16,000 meters.
• Range: Over 2,200 km (ferry range >3,500 km with external tanks).

Verdict: Tejas Mk2 delivers improved performance parameters with a more powerful engine, greater range, and a higher ceiling, enabling it to undertake longer and more complex missions.

3. Avionics and Cockpit

Tejas Mk1:

• Radar: Initially EL/M-2032 radar; upgraded variants have Uttam AESA radar (in Tejas Mk1A).
• Cockpit:
  • Glass cockpit with multi-function displays (MFDs).
  • Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) design.
  • Helmet-mounted display system (HMDS) for improved situational awareness.
• Electronic Warfare (EW): Israeli-origin EW suite in early variants.

Tejas Mk2:

• Radar: Indigenous Uttam AESA radar as standard.
• Cockpit Enhancements:
  • Larger wide-area multifunction display.
  • Fully digital glass cockpit with artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision support.
  • Upgraded HMDS and touchscreen systems.
• EW Suite: Advanced DRDO-developed integrated EW suite, with better jamming, threat detection, and countermeasure capabilities.

Verdict: The Mk2 significantly upgrades the pilot’s situational awareness and survivability with cutting-edge avionics and electronic warfare tools.

4. Weapons and Payload

Tejas Mk1:

• Payload Capacity: ~3.5 tonnes.
• Hardpoints: 8 total.
• Weapons Integration:
  • Air-to-air missiles: R-73, Derby, Python-5.
  • Air-to-ground: Laser-guided bombs, unguided bombs, rockets.
  • Anti-ship missiles like the Kh-35 (in test phases).
  • Indigenous Astra Mk1 integration ongoing.

Tejas Mk2:

• Payload Capacity: ~6.5 tonnes.
• Hardpoints: 11 total.
• Weapons Integration:
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles: Meteor, Astra Mk1 & Mk2.
  • Precision-guided munitions (PGMs).
  • Cruise missiles: BrahMos-NG (planned).
  • More advanced stand-off weapons and potential integration with US/European origin systems.

Verdict: The Tejas Mk2 doubles the payload capacity and supports a wider variety of long-range, high-impact weaponry, giving it true multirole capability.

5. Multirole Capability

Tejas Mk1:

• Primarily designed for air superiority and light strike roles.
• Limited capability in SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence) and maritime strike roles.
• Suited for short to medium range missions.

Tejas Mk2:

• Fully multirole: capable of air superiority, deep strike, anti-shipping, SEAD, and reconnaissance roles.
• Enhanced sensor fusion allows better battlefield situational awareness.

Verdict: Tejas Mk2 is designed to bridge the gap between light fighters and heavier multi-role platforms like the Mirage 2000 and Rafale.

6. Production and Induction Timeline

Tejas Mk1:

• Initial Operational Clearance (IOC): 2013.
• Final Operational Clearance (FOC): 2019.
• Currently inducted into IAF squadrons such as No. 45 “Flying Daggers.”
• Over 40 Mk1/Mk1A units are operational or on order.

Tejas Mk2:

• Developmental phase as of 2025.
• First prototype roll-out: 2023.
• Maiden flight: Expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
• Series production: Targeted by 2028.
• Planned induction: Post-2030 to replace aging Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 aircraft.

Verdict: While Tejas Mk1 has already entered service, Mk2 is poised for the future with advanced specifications aligning with next-gen requirements.

7. Strategic and Operational Impact

Tejas Mk1:

• Symbolic of India’s capability to design and field a combat aircraft.
• Strengthens India’s light fighter fleet.
• Useful in defending border regions and for cost-effective routine operations.

Tejas Mk2:

• Expected to be a true game-changer with performance close to medium/heavyweight fighters at a lower operational cost.
• Potential export candidate due to multirole flexibility and affordability.
• Reinforces India’s defence independence and reduces reliance on foreign fighters.

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Conclusion: A Leap from Tejas Mk1 to Mk2

The evolution from Tejas Mk1 to Tejas Mk2 represents more than a simple upgrade — it is a transformational leap in design, performance, and capability. While Tejas Mk1 laid the groundwork and demonstrated India’s aeronautical potential, Tejas Mk2 is being designed to compete with modern fighters like the F-16 Block 70, Gripen E, and even Rafale-lite in some configurations.

By addressing the limitations of Mk1 and incorporating global best practices, Tejas Mk2 promises to be a vital asset in India’s future air dominance strategy. It not only fills the gap left by retiring aircraft but also opens new doors for exports, joint collaborations, and technological self-reliance.

As India moves toward becoming a major player in aerospace and defence manufacturing, the Tejas program — especially with Mk2 — will remain a cornerstone of its ambitions.