LCA Tejas Evolution 2025: From Mark 1 to Mark 2 and TEDBF – India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet Journey

Manoj Ambat, Editor in Chief, Strategic Vanguard
Jun 25
2 min read

Updated: Jul 9

Introduction

The LCA Tejas has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a replacement for the MiG‑21. In 2025, the Tejas program has evolved into a family of advanced fighters — the Mark 1, Mark 1A, Mark 2 (MWF), and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Today, this initiative stands as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess and its growing role as a global aerospace powerhouse.

The Journey from Mark 1 to Mark 1A

Initially developed to replace the aging MiG‑21, the Tejas Mark 1 entered service with the IAF’s No. 45 “Flying Daggers” squadron. Its reliability, safety record (zero crashes), and advanced use of composites have earned it widespread praise within the IAF. The improved Tejas Mark 1A, now being delivered, features an AESA radar, enhanced EW suite, and other refinements, making it an ideal platform for both air defense and ground attack roles.

The Mark 2 (Medium Weight Fighter): A Game Changer

With the IAF seeking a more capable fighter, the Tejas Mark 2 (also called the Medium Weight Fighter or MWF) emerged as the answer. It boasts:

✅ A larger airframe for increased payload and range✅ A more powerful GE F414-INS6 engine✅ Advanced AESA radar and indigenous electronics✅ Compatibility with a mix of Indian and international weapons

The first flight of the Mark 2 is anticipated in 2025, with induction into IAF service by 2028–29. The IAF aims to have 12 Mark 2 squadrons, making it the backbone of its fighter force well into the 2040s.

TEDBF: The Naval Evolution

While the naval variant of the Mark 1 was deemed underpowered for carrier operations, the lessons learned laid the foundation for the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).

Weighing roughly 23 tons, the TEDBF is designed exclusively for carrier-based naval aviation. Powered by the GE F414 engine, it incorporates indigenous radar, sensors, and weaponry. Its first flight is expected in 2026–27, with induction by 2031 to replace the MiG‑29K.

The Bigger Picture: India’s Aerospace Ambition

The Tejas program is about more than building fighter jets — it’s about creating an aerospace ecosystem. The advances made with the Tejas have laid the foundation for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and other future platforms. In 2025, India stands among a select group of nations with the knowledge and infrastructure required to design and manufacture state‑of‑the‑art fighter aircraft.

Conclusion: The Tejas Legacy

The evolution of the LCA Tejas from a modest Mark 1 to the advanced Mark 2 and TEDBF is a testament to India’s engineering prowess and vision. The program has shaped an aerospace sector that is now poised to propel the nation into the top echelon of global fighter aircraft design and production. As the Tejas, Mark 2, and TEDBF continue to evolve, one thing is certain — the future of Indian aerospace is brighter than ever.