IAF’s Tejas Mk II To Fly By June, Stealth AMCA Rollout By 2028 As India Accelerates Indigenous Fighter Push

India’s indigenous fighter aircraft roadmap reached a decisive milestone on Sunday (January 4, 2026) as the Indian Air Force (IAF) and defence research establishment laid out firm timelines for the Tejas Mark II and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), signalling a sharper push toward self-reliance and next-generation air combat capability.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark II is slated for its maiden flight by June this year, while the fifth-generation AMCA is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2028, with its first flight planned for early 2029.

How are both AMCA and Tejas MkII progressing?

The timelines were outlined by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat at the Tejas-25 national seminar, hosted by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to mark 25 years of the Tejas programme.

He said both projects are progressing on schedule, with prototypes under production and development aligned with Defence Ministry and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approvals.

“These programmes are now on track, and we hope to deliver our commitments to the Air Force as per CCS norms,” Dr Kamat said, underlining the strategic importance of meeting timelines for the IAF’s future force structure.

How has IAF chief praised the two combat aircraft projects?

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, addressing the seminar, described Tejas Mk II and AMCA as landmark programmes that would surpass earlier achievements by incorporating contemporary and future-ready technologies.

He stressed that development teams are working intensively to ensure cutting-edge capabilities while improving delivery schedules, reflecting lessons learned from earlier indigenous aircraft programmes.

What are the developments on Tejas MkII aircraft?

The Tejas Mark II represents a significant technological leap over the LCA Mk I. Designed with enhanced range, higher payload, and true multirole capability, the aircraft will feature advanced avionics, modern sensors, and upgraded weapons integration.

It is intended to replace ageing fighter fleets in the IAF, strengthening operational readiness while deepening India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem.

What is AMCA meant for in the IAF?

The AMCA, meanwhile, is envisioned as India’s first fully indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. Featuring low-observable design, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and super-cruise capability, the aircraft is expected to give the IAF a decisive technological edge in future air combat.

Dr Kamat noted that as a stealth platform, AMCA will incorporate several new and complex technologies, marking a major step forward for Indian aerospace engineering.

What did the two-day event focus on?

The two-day Tejas-25 seminar brought together scientists, defence officials, military leaders, and industry representatives to chart India’s aviation roadmap toward 2047.

ADA officials outlined plans for enhanced variants and next-generation platforms under both the Tejas MkII and AMCA programmes, reinforcing the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.

With firm timelines now in place and leadership signalling confidence in execution, the Tejas Mk II and AMCA programmes underscore India’s ambition to build a technologically advanced, self-reliant air force capable of meeting evolving regional and global security challenges in the decades ahead.