Here's how Tejas Mark 2 is evolving into a bigger, powerful fighter

The Tejas Mark 2's increased payload capacity will enable it to integrate significantly more weapons and sensors than the Mark 1 fighter

With the Indian Air Force (IAF) having ordered 123 Tejas fighters (six squadrons) and foreign air forces evaluating India’s homegrown light combat aircraft (LCA) for acquisition, the Tejas Mark 1 is evolving from a light fighter to a bigger and more powerful medium fighter that could be a clear notch above its possible adversaries in South Asia.

On November 15, IAF signed off on a comprehensive design review (CDR) of the Tejas Mark 2, clearing the construction of a new prototype of the LCA for construction and testing.

A CDR is a critical step in designing and developing a new aircraft. It