India is preparing to significantly strengthen its air power by 2035 with four advanced indigenous aircraft. These new platforms—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Tejas Mk-2, Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), and Netra Mk-2 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft—will transform the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy. Each project highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defence production while introducing next-generation technology to the country’s aerial capabilities. Together, these aircraft will enhance India’s strike power, surveillance, and operational readiness across land, air, and sea domains.
The AMCA is India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), it is designed for air superiority, stealth missions, and deep strike operations. The jet will have radar-absorbent materials, a low-observable airframe, and an internal weapons bay to reduce its radar signature. Initially powered by GE F414 engines, future versions may use a more powerful indigenous engine. The AMCA will also feature AI-assisted flight controls, sensor fusion, and a large touchscreen cockpit display, improving situational awareness and combat efficiency. The aircraft’s first flight is planned between 2030 and 2032, with induction into the IAF by 2035. Once operational, it will place India among a select group of nations capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
The Tejas Mk-2 is an upgraded medium-weight fighter that builds on the success of the Tejas Mk-1. Known as the Medium-Weight Fighter (MWF), it is intended to fill the gap between light fighters and heavy multirole jets such as the Rafale. The Mk-2 will be equipped with the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which can detect targets up to 200 km away, and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. Its electronic warfare suite, digital flight control system, and fully glass cockpit with a wide-area display will enhance operational efficiency. The aircraft can carry heavier weapons, including Astra beyond-visual-range missiles, precision-guided bombs, and stand-off weapons. The first flight of Tejas Mk-2 is scheduled for 2026, with induction into service expected by 2028, making it a crucial part of the IAF’s future fleet.
The TEDBF is a Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter designed for India’s aircraft carriers, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It will replace the MiG-29K and provide multirole capabilities for both air defence and strike operations from sea-based platforms. The TEDBF features a canard-delta configuration with foldable wings for carrier storage, and it can carry up to 9,000 kg of weapons on 11 hardpoints. Its armament will include air-to-air missiles like Astra and Derby, anti-ship missiles such as BrahMos-NG, and guided bombs. The aircraft will reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6 while offering improved range and manoeuvrability. The prototype is expected by 2030, with operational induction between 2038 and 2040. Once deployed, TEDBF will greatly strengthen India’s maritime strike and defence capabilities.
The Netra Mk-2 is the next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, developed to enhance India’s air surveillance and threat detection. Mounted on the Airbus A321 platform, it will replace the smaller Embraer-based Netra Mk-1. The upgraded aircraft will feature a dorsal-mounted AESA radar with 300-degree coverage, extended endurance, and higher payload capacity. Integrated advanced sensors, electronic intelligence suites, and communication systems will allow real-time tracking of multiple aerial targets and provide battle management support to fighter aircraft. The first prototype is expected to fly in the early 2030s, with induction by the mid-2030s. The Netra Mk-2 will play a key role in airspace monitoring and network-centric warfare, giving India a significant edge in surveillance and early threat detection.
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Together, these four aircraft programmes show India’s determination to become self-reliant in defence manufacturing. By 2035, the AMCA, Tejas Mk-2, TEDBF, and Netra Mk-2 will form the backbone of India’s next-generation aerial fleet. They will improve strike range, situational awareness, and deterrence across multiple domains, supporting both the IAF and Navy in their missions. This modernisation will not only strengthen India’s defence capabilities but also ensure that the country remains a significant player in regional and global air power.
In addition to military benefits, these projects will boost India’s indigenous defence industry, supporting research, development, and production of advanced technologies. The integration of stealth features, AI-assisted controls, and networked surveillance capabilities reflects India’s focus on modern warfare and strategic autonomy. The induction of these aircraft will allow India to reduce reliance on imports, enhance operational readiness, and maintain technological superiority in the coming decades.
By combining next-generation fighters with advanced naval and surveillance platforms, India is positioning itself for a stronger, more self-reliant air and maritime defence posture. The AMCA, Tejas Mk-2, TEDBF, and Netra Mk-2 will not only enhance operational capabilities but also signal India’s growing ability to design, develop, and field state-of-the-art aircraft independently. By 2035, these aircraft are expected to redefine the Indian Air Force and Navy, ensuring robust air and maritime security for the nation.
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