India's Indigenous Fighter Jets Set for Takeoff: LCA Mark 2 by 2026, Mass Production by 2029

India's aerospace sector is set for a significant boost with the 4.5 generation plus LCA Mark 2 fighter jets taking flight by March 2026 and mass production beginning by 2029. The fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is expected to enter mass production by 2035 following high-level meetings.

By Ajit Dubey In a significant development for India's indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the 4.5 generation plus Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 2 fighter jets are scheduled to start flying by March 2026, with mass production set to commence by 2029.

In addition, mass production of the Indian fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is anticipated to begin by 2035, according to defense officials who spoke to ANI. These timelines for the indigenous fighter aircraft programmes were discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat and Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit recently.

Dr. Kamat and Air Marshal Dixit conducted the high-level review meeting of the LCA MK-II Development programme at DRDO Bhawan. All the DRDO labs and Director Generals involved in the development of systems, sub-systems, and the flight testing of the prototype participated, presenting the development status, risk assessments, and mitigation plans toward the completion of the first fly-worthy prototype, DRDO officials said. The LCA Mark 2 programme was thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

Though the programme will be delayed by around a year—initially set for a prototype completion by early 2025—this setback is attributed to delays in fund release, which were tied to the signing of the engine deal for the indigenous fighter.

All LCA aircraft will be powered by American GE engines. While the LCA Mark 1 and Mark 1A will use the GE-404, the LCA Mark 2 will feature the GE-414, which will be manufactured in India by the American firm with indigenous content. The government plans to replace all mainstay fleets, including the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29, with the LCA Mark 2. Over 250 of these planes are expected to be inducted over the next 10-15 years.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has ordered 180 LCA Mark 1A planes, with production expected to be completed by 2032, officials reported.

Tejas Mark 2 is expected to feature increased indigenisation, with the Uttam radar as its main sensor. An indigenous AESA radar is also being developed for Russian-origin Su-30 MKI fighters under the upgrade programme. The Cabinet Committee on Security recently cleared the design and development of the AMCA.

The Mark-2 will be equipped with indigenous weapons such as the Astra air-to-air missile and Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons. The DRDO and IAF are also exploring export orders for the Mark-2, which offers advanced capabilities at a reasonable price. (ANI)