By A Correspondent

Bengaluru (Karnataka): India’s push for indigenous air combat dominance gathered major momentum on January 4, 2026, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the country’s top defence scientists confirmed key timelines for the Tejas Mark II and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), two flagship fighter programmes critical to India’s future air power.

The Tejas MkII is scheduled to undertake its maiden flight by June this year, while the fifth-generation stealth AMCA is expected to roll out by the end of 2028, with its first flight planned for early 2029.

The announcements were made at the Tejas-25 national seminar organised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to commemorate 25 years of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat said both projects are progressing as per schedule, with prototypes already under production and development milestones aligned with Defence Ministry and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approvals.

“LCA MkII should fly by June this year, while AMCA is targeted for rollout by the end of 2028 and first flight in early 2029. Both programmes are now firmly on track,” Dr. Kamat told reporters, underscoring DRDO’s commitment to meet operational timelines set for the IAF.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, addressing the seminar, described the Tejas MkII and AMCA as transformational programmes that will surpass earlier indigenous aviation achievements.

He said these platforms are being developed with contemporary technologies and improved execution timelines, reflecting the IAF’s evolving operational requirements and lessons learned from past projects.

The Tejas MkII is a significantly upgraded version of the LCA, designed to deliver enhanced range, higher payload, and full-spectrum multirole capability.

Equipped with advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons systems, it is expected to replace ageing fighter jets in the IAF, strengthening combat readiness while reinforcing India’s self-reliance in military aviation.

The AMCA represents an even bigger leap. Envisioned as India’s first indigenously developed fifth-generation fighter, the aircraft will feature stealth design, super-cruise capability, sensor fusion, and next-generation avionics.

According to DRDO officials, AMCA will introduce multiple new technologies critical for future air combat, giving the IAF a decisive edge in contested airspace.

ADA officials at the seminar outlined plans for enhanced variants and next-generation platforms under both the LCA MkII and AMCA programmes, highlighting India’s long-term aviation roadmap toward 2047.

The two-day event includes technical sessions, panel discussions, and industry presentations, bringing together scientists, military leaders, and private-sector players to accelerate indigenous aerospace innovation.

With clear timelines, strong institutional backing, and top-level IAF endorsement, the Tejas MkII and AMCA programmes signal a decisive phase in India’s quest to build a technologically advanced, self-reliant air force capable of meeting future security challenges.

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