Tejas Mk-2 Fighter Jet Delays Highlight Indigenous Defense Production Challenges

Hindustan Times - India · 23 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Defence and security Mains · GS3 Security High relevance

Retired Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor criticized HAL's delays in Tejas Mk-2 production, questioning its operational relevance by 2035 against advancing global fighter jet technology, underscoring India's defense indigenization challenges.

Key points

Tejas Mk-2 is India's indigenous 4.5-generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) prototype, facing delays in rollout by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), impacting IAF's modernization plans.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor (retd) questioned the operational viability of deploying 4th-gen fighters like Tejas Mk-2 by 2035 when adversaries like China may field 6th-gen aircraft, highlighting technological asymmetry.

HAL's production delays have affected Tejas Mk1A deliveries, with no prototype yet for the advanced Mk-2 variant or the stealth AMCA fighter, raising concerns about defense PSU efficiency.

This connects to GS3-Security as it reflects on India's defense preparedness, indigenization efforts under 'Make in India', and the need for timely capability development against regional threats.

[GS2-Governance] The delays underscore systemic issues in defense procurement and public sector accountability, with HAL's performance failing to match IAF's operational urgency.

Fourth-generation fighters may still have tactical relevance for India's vast territorial coverage, as noted by Kapoor, but require accelerated induction to bridge capability gaps.

The criticism follows similar concerns raised by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh in 2025 about delays in Tejas Mk1A deliveries and prototype development timelines.

[GS3-Economy] Defense indigenization impacts India's arms import bill (currently ~$50bn annually) and the success of schemes like Defense Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020.

Way Forward: India should implement strict delivery timelines with penalty clauses for defense PSUs, establish joint military-industry design teams for faster iteration, and create a dedicated testing corridor to accelerate prototype development.

Key terms

4.5-generation fighter jets

Advanced combat aircraft featuring digital avionics, AESA radars, network-centric warfare capabilities, and limited stealth features. Represent the current mainstay of air forces globally, though being superseded by 5th-gen stealth fighters in advanced militaries.

Defense Indigenization

Strategic policy to develop domestic defense manufacturing capacity through initiatives like Make in India, Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP) revisions, and IDDM category. Aims to reduce arms imports (currently 60% of requirements) and build defense-industrial ecosystem.

Tejas Mk-2

India's next-generation indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) under development by HAL, intended to replace aging MiG-21s with advanced 4.5-generation capabilities including AESA radar, refueling probe, and improved payload capacity. Crucial for IAF's squadron strength maintenance and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

India's state-owned aerospace and defense company under Ministry of Defense, responsible for design and production of aircraft like Tejas, Dhruv, and Sukhoi-30MKI. Its performance is critical for 'Make in India' in defense and reducing import dependence.