Friday, Aug 29, 2025
SSBCrack
Search
  • Home
  • Indian Defence News
  • Notification
  • SSB Interview
    • SSB Interview Date
    • Screening
    • Psychology
    • GTO
    • Personal Interview
    • Conference
    • Medical
    • Merit List
  • Books
    • OIR Test & PPDT
    • SSB Interview
    • Psych Tests Workbook
    • SSB Psychology
    • NDA Exam
    • CDS Exam
    • AFCAT
    • EKT
  • eBooks
    • SSB eBook
    • OIR Test eBook
    • TAT eBook
    • SRT eBook
    • WAT eBook
    • Current Affairs 2023
    • General Knowledge 2023
  • Online Courses
    • NDA Exam
    • CDS Exam
    • CDS OTA Exam
    • AFCAT Exam
    • MNS Exam
    • TA Exam
    • ACC Exam
  • Download APP
  • Success Stories
  • Join Us
Reading: Tejas Mk-2 to Rival Rafale, May Even Surpass It: DRDO’s Bold Projection
Share
Font ResizerAa
SSBCrackSSBCrack
  • Home
  • Notification
  • SSB Interview
  • Books
  • eBooks
  • Courses
Search
  • Home
  • Notification
  • SSB Interview
  • Books
  • eBooks
  • Courses
Follow US
© 2010 - 2025 SSBCrack . All Rights Reserved.

Home » Tejas Mk-2 to Rival Rafale, May Even Surpass It: DRDO’s Bold Projection

Indian Defence News

Tejas Mk-2 to Rival Rafale, May Even Surpass It: DRDO’s Bold Projection

Adhidev Jasrotia
By
Adhidev Jasrotia
Last updated: July 11, 2025
Share
Tejas

In a major assertion of India’s aerospace ambitions, senior DRDO scientist Dr. Ravi Shankar S.R. has claimed that the HAL Tejas Mk-2 will match the capabilities of the French Rafale fighter jet—and may even surpass it in key areas. Speaking at a defence symposium in Bengaluru, he highlighted the Mk-2’s advanced avionics, indigenous weapon integration, and cost-effectiveness as factors that could position it as a game-changer for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Tejas Mk-2 is being developed as a multirole 4.5-generation fighter to replace ageing platforms like the Jaguar and Mirage 2000. An evolution of the Tejas Mk-1A, the Mk-2 features a larger airframe, increased payload capacity of 6,500 kg, and a combat range of 2,500 km with external fuel tanks. It is powered by the General Electric F414-INS6 engine, delivering 98 kN of thrust.

Key upgrades include an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by DRDO’s LRDE, capable of detecting fighter-sized targets up to 200 km away—potentially outmatching Rafale’s Thales RBE2 radar. The aircraft is also equipped with an advanced electronic warfare suite from DEAL, featuring digital radar warning receivers, jammers, and an infrared search-and-track (IRST) system.

More Read

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Commending Officer
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Reviews Training & Readiness at JAK LI Regimental Centre in Srinagar
Prasanna Kishore Mishra Vistiting Krishna Ghati
Indian Army Enhances Operational Readiness in Krishna Ghati Sector
ZkQwIH7w Admiral DK Tripathi
Navy Chief Calls Theatre Commands ‘Ultimate Goal,’ Warns of Grey Zone Threats

The Mk-2’s compatibility with indigenous missiles such as the Astra Mk-2 (150–200 km range) and the BrahMos-NG cruise missile is seen as a significant edge. These weapon systems could offer strike capabilities on par with Rafale’s Meteor and SCALP munitions, but at a fraction of the cost and with local logistical support.

Agility is another factor in the Mk-2’s favor. With a delta-wing design and lighter weight (13.5 tons versus Rafale’s 15.3 tons), the aircraft is expected to deliver improved maneuverability. Indigenous production also promises faster turnaround times and fewer maintenance delays—challenges that have sometimes affected the Rafale fleet due to dependence on French OEMs.

However, challenges remain. The Tejas Mk-2’s first flight, originally planned for 2023, has been delayed to late 2026 due to engine certification and supply chain issues with the GE F414 engine. Full induction into the IAF is not expected before 2031. In contrast, the Rafale has already proven itself in operational roles, with 36 jets in service featuring India-specific enhancements like the Hammer missile and state-of-the-art EW systems.

Despite the delays, analysts say that if DRDO delivers on its promises, the Tejas Mk-2 could emerge as a cost-effective, sovereign alternative to foreign platforms. Its alignment with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, ability to integrate with unmanned platforms like HAL’s CATS, and reduced dependency on global supply chains could give it a long-term strategic edge in regional and networked warfare environments.

IMA Mug

IMA Mug

₹499
Shop Now
IAF Mug

IAF Mug

₹499
Shop Now
NDA Mug

NDA Mug

₹499
Shop Now
Navy Mug

Navy Mug

₹299
Shop Now
NSG Mug

NSG Coffee Mug

₹499
Shop Now
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram
Share
ByAdhidev Jasrotia
An expert in Indian defence affairs, military recruitment, and geopolitical strategy, brings a strong foundation in national security journalism. Recommended for the Indian Army with All India Rank 138.
Previous Article Vessel Chinese Research Vessel Detected Operating Secretly in Bay of Bengal
Next Article Untitled design 10 Indian Army Pioneers AR/VR Training Revolution with Indigenous Technology

TRENDING NEWS

indian air force uniforms

17 Uniforms Of The Indian Air Force That You Have To Earn

August 23, 2025
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra

Indian Air Force Chief Visits Western Air Command, Lauds Operational Success

August 25, 2025
Rajnath Singh with Gaganyatris CDS and Chief of Air Staff

Defence Minister Felicitates Gaganyatris, Calls Them Pioneers of India’s Aspirations

August 24, 2025
CISF All Women Commando Team

CISF All Set to Induct First-Ever All-Women Commando Unit for Front-Line Operations

August 24, 2025

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Vice Admiral Saboti

Post-Op Sindoor, Navy Eyes Longer-Range Strike Capabilities, Counter-Drone Systems: Vice Admiral Sobti

Indian Defence News
August 28, 2025
Air Marshal Retd Sanjeev Kapoor and Lt Gen Retd KJS Dhillon

Ex-Military Officers Slam SpiceJet Over Five-Year Flying Ban on Army Officer

Indian Defence News
August 28, 2025
Army Saves CRPF Personnel

Indian Army Rescues 22 CRPF Personnel, 3 Civilians from Flooded Punjab Village

Indian Defence News
August 28, 2025
Jaish Terrorists

3 Jaish Terrorists Suspected to Have Entered Bihar, State on High Alert Ahead of Elections

Indian Defence News
August 28, 2025
SSBCrack-Logo (2)

SSBCrack.com is a leading online platform dedicated to helping Indian defence aspirants prepare for the various armed forces examinations.

  • About Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • We Are Hiring
  • Write for SSBCrack
  • Share Your Story
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions
  • SSB Interview Process
  • Preparation Books
  • Online Courses
  • NDA Exam
  • CDS Exam
  • AFCAT

Follow US: 

© 2010-2025 SSBCrack. All Rights Reserved.

 
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?