In Depth Analysis: Tejas Mk2 or MWF (Part-1/2)

Recently some crucial updates on Tejas mk2 project came out. As per the reports, metal cutting of Tejas mk2 has already started. Also report about its possible numbers came out. Tejas mk2 is also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) aircraft. It’s highly likely that it will get a totally new name in the upcoming period. In this article, we will have a look upon some aspects of the Tejas mk2 or MWF. We will discuss why IAF needs this aircraft? Where does Tejas mk2 fit in the arsenal of IAF? IAF is expecting how many units of this fighter aircraft? What’s the timeline of this project and what’sthe current status? Also we will try to analyse the manufacturing plans. We will analyse prospects of its timely delivery. We will cover other important aspects of MWF like its specifications, features, possible weapon packages, cost and comparison with other aircrafts like Dassault Rafale in the next article. Introduction- Tejas mk2 or the Medium Weight Fighter is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO). It is going to be a single engine, 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. MWF will have many state of the art technologies integrated with it. It is going to be the mainstay of the IAF in future. Need of Tejas MK2 or Medium Weight Fighter (MWF)- IAF needs an indigenous aircraft in this category for the following reasons- Depleting squadron strength of IAF- IAF is struggling to maintain sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. It is down at just 30.Find replacement of medium weight category fighters which are going to retire in this decade. For example, Jaguar, Mig-29, Mirage-2000.Quest for new technology- Aerial warfare is rapidly changing. It’s moving towards 5th generation fighters. While most of the today’s fighters were developed in 1970s and 80s. Even Rafale did its first flight in 1980s.Indigenous option- India has realised the importance of self-reliance in defence sector. Hence for such a crucial need, India aspires to have an indigenous platform. Tejas mk2 or MWF Tejas MK2 & Its Utility In IAF’s Arsenal? We can divide IAF’s fighter aircrafts in 3 broad categories like following. Light Combat aircrafts- Currently MiG-21 is playing its role here. LCA Tejas and LCA Tejas mk1A are replacing them.Medium weight fighters- Currently Mig-29, Mirage-2000, and Jaguars are forming this section. Rafale is supporting squadron strength here. But the numbers are not enough. Thus HAL Tejas mk2 or MWF will make up the remaining numbers.Heavy weight fighters- Currently Sukhoi Su-30 MKI are serving in sufficient number. IAF plans to replace them by Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in upcoming period. It will be a 5th generation fighter aircraft. Thus Tejas mk2 or MWF is going to be a part of medium weight category of IAF’s fighter aircrafts. How Many Units Of Tejas MK2 Will Be Inducted In IAF? Tejas mk2 or MWF fleet (credits- Kuntal Biswas) As per latest reports, IAF wants around 170 Tejas mk2. This means it will make around 8 to 9 squadrons. This is a decent number keeping in mind the current depleting fleet of IAF. Timeline Of The Project. Will It Be Followed? This is obvious question in the mind of anyone who keeps track of India’s fighter aircraft programme. We have experienced much delay in LCA Tejas project. But hopefully this won’t be the situation with MWF. It is expected that first MWF will roll out by 2022. We can see first flight of this MWF in 2023. Recently some reports confirmed that the project is going as per its timeline. Dr. V Madhusudana Rao, project director of Tejas mk2, in an interview with defence journalist Anantha Krishan M shed some light on this. As per Dr. Rao, the design is in its final stage. It’s in the final stage.Metal cutting for some parts is already started. This is a very delighting news. Metal cutting was expected to start in April 2021. Thus the project is already running ahead of its timeline.Currently the cockpit configurations and location of sensors and antennas are being finalized.He also expressed the confidence that we can see first Tejas mk2 rollout by August 2022.We can get to see the final design of MWF at Aero India 2021. There is one more important aspect that reduces the timeline of this project. Unlike LCA Tejas, there won’t be any prototype of this aircraft. The first aircrafts rolling out will be part of the limited series production. This will considerably reduce the timeline. Thus as per above estimates, MWF can enter into production from 2026-27. Tejas mk2 model on display during Aero India 2019 Will There Be Involvement Of Private Sector? There is an issue of low production rate of HAL. HAL has set target to increase its assembly capacity to 24 aircraft per year in upcoming years. But there is need of more capacity. Many experts suggest setting up of one more assembly line with involvement of private sector. But there are issues- Underdeveloped Indian private aviation sector.High cost of initial investments. Thus adequate numbers should be ordered to achieve economy of scale. But the involvement of private sector is there in manufacturing of fighter aircraft. MSMEs are supplying many important parts of LCA Tejas. HAL is mainly playing role of assembly and technology integration. It’s declared that AMCA will be made in a joint venture with a private company. With the adequate numbers of MWF, there are high chances of involvement of a private sector company in this project by establishment of a new assembly line. But we have to wait till any final update on this. Conclusion- Tejas mk2 is going to be a game changer for IAF as well as for the Indian defence and aerospace industry. Some experts are foreseeing its capability to conduct Balakot like airstrikes. Also there are many other aspects like its features, capabilities, technologies and the possible weapon package. We will discuss all these aspects in detail in the next article.