**Breaking News: HAL Tejas Mk2 Specifications Unveiled – A Game Changer for the Indian Air Force**
In a groundbreaking development, the HAL Tejas Mk2, India’s next-generation multi-role combat aircraft, has revealed its specifications, igniting excitement in defense circles and among aviation enthusiasts alike. The prototype is currently under construction, with its first flight anticipated in 2023, marking a significant leap for the Indian Air Force.
This advanced aircraft boasts a compact length of 14.60 meters and a wingspan of 8.50 meters, designed to optimize agility and performance in combat scenarios. With a crew capacity of one or two, the Tejas Mk2 is engineered for versatility, featuring a maximum takeoff weight of 17,500 kilograms powered by a robust General Electric F414 engine, capable of delivering an astonishing 98 kilonewtons of thrust with afterburner.
Speed is a hallmark of the Tejas Mk2, achieving a staggering maximum velocity of Mach 2, which translates to 2,400 kilometers per hour. Its operational range extends to 2,500 kilometers, with a combat range of 1,500 kilometers, ensuring it can engage targets deep within enemy territory. The aircraft’s service ceiling reaches a formidable 50,000 feet, enhancing its operational capabilities in high-altitude confrontations.
Armament is another area where the Tejas Mk2 excels. Equipped with a 23mm GSH-23 cannon and 13 hardpoints for a variety of munitions, it is set to carry advanced air-to-air missiles such as MICA, Meteor, and the Astra series, alongside formidable air-to-surface missiles including BrahMos and Storm Shadow.
The Tejas Mk2 also features cutting-edge avionics, including the LRDE UTAM AESA radar and a unified electronic warfare suite, positioning it as a formidable force in modern aerial warfare. As the prototype nears completion, the anticipation builds for what this aircraft will mean for India’s defense posture in the coming years. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Tejas Mk2 prepares to take to the skies!