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India approves more capable LCA Mk2 fighter

9th September 2022 - 03:00 GMT | by Neelam Mathews in Delhi

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A scale model of a Light Combat Aircraft Mk2, with HAL responsible for its design and production. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)

HAL will design and develop the ultimate version of the Tejas - the Mk2 - for the Indian Air Force.

A green light for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 – supported by an allocation of $1.4 billion for developing prototypes, testing and certification – officially sets the ball rolling for a long and challenging development.

The initial requirement will be for six squadrons for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Inching towards the Rafale’s capability level, the LCA Mk2 ‘is a different beast compared to the LCA Mk1,’ said a military observer.

The aircraft has a higher-thrust F414 engine, but will have to go through years of trials, with the prototype only ready by 2027 at the earliest. Series production

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