Tejas Mk2 and AMCA programs to undergo streamlined Flight Trials, building on LCA experience
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are preparing for a crucial phase in the development of India’s indigenous fighter jets. With the first flight of the Tejas Mk2 scheduled for 2026 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk1 set to take flight in 2028, the collaboration between IAF and HAL will be put to the test as both programs undergo simultaneous developmental flight trials.
The lessons learned from the flight trials of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A have been instrumental in refining the approach for the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA Mk1. By leveraging this experience, the aim is to streamline the testing process, reducing both the duration and the total flight hours required to validate these aircraft’s operational readiness and performance.
In the early stages of the LCA Tejas program, which began its flight trials in the early 2000s, India lacked the necessary expertise to execute an efficient and swift flight testing process. The development phase encountered several challenges, resulting in a slow and cautious progression. As one source involved in the project stated, “We were taking one step at a time instead of running,” reflecting the deliberate pace caused by the country’s limited experience. While the LCA Tejas first flew in 2001, it took many additional years for the aircraft to achieve full operational capability.
In contrast, the Tejas Mk2 program aims for a much faster timeline. From its first flight in 2026, the Tejas Mk2 is expected to complete developmental flight trials within four years, allowing it to enter production more quickly. During this period, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL will focus on basic weapons integration and essential flight tests. After this, the IAF will handle the advanced weapons integration, ensuring that the aircraft is combat-ready at the time of induction.
The AMCA Mk1 program poses even more rigorous challenges. As India’s first stealth fighter, the AMCA Mk1 will undergo more than 1,500 flight tests during its development phase. Despite the complexity of testing a stealth platform, the goal is to complete the trials within five years of the first flight in 2028. This demanding schedule highlights the confidence ADA and HAL have in their improved testing procedures, bolstered by the lessons learned from previous programs.
Managing the overlapping flight test schedules of the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA Mk1 will be a critical test of the coordination and resource management abilities of both IAF and HAL. Ensuring the smooth execution of these simultaneous trials will be key to maintaining the progress of India’s indigenous fighter development and meeting the projected induction timelines for both platforms. The LCA Tejas program has provided a solid foundation, but the upcoming years will require even greater cooperation, meticulous planning, and efficient execution.
These next few years are set to be crucial for India’s aerospace industry as it strives to prove its ability to produce cutting-edge combat aircraft. Success in these programs will not only enhance India’s defense capabilities but also elevate its standing in the global aerospace market.
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