Tejas Mark-2 to Fly in June: Why India Still Needs Rafale Jets

• DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat announced Tejas Mark-2's first flight in June-July, with mass production by 2029 and deliveries by 2030.
• India plans to acquire 114 Rafale jets from France, despite developing the indigenous 4.5-generation Tejas Mark-2.
• The Indian Air Force faces a severe shortage of fighter squadrons, necessitating immediate acquisitions.
• Rafale is a twin-engine, medium-category multi-role combat aircraft with superior weapon capacity (9500 kg) and advanced radar/EW systems.
• Tejas Mark-2 is a single-engine, medium-weight fighter with a 6500 kg weapon capacity, designed to replace Mirage-2000, but cannot match Rafale's capabilities or survivability.

Why It Matters: Despite Tejas Mark-2's development, India needs Rafale due to squadron shortages and Rafale's superior capabilities.