India’s Tejas Mk2 Fighter to Get Powerful SCALP and Crystal Maze Missiles

India’s push for self-reliance in defense technology is accelerating, and one of the most important projects driving this transformation is the next-generation HAL Tejas Mk2 fighter jet. Designed as a more powerful evolution of the Tejas family, the aircraft is expected to become a key pillar of the Indian Air Force in the coming decade.

As India expands its long-range strike capabilities, the Tejas Mk2 is reportedly being pre-configured to integrate advanced standoff missiles, allowing it to hit strategic targets deep inside enemy territory while staying outside heavily defended airspace. This capability would significantly enhance the IAF’s ability to carry out precision strikes in future conflicts.

A More Powerful Medium-Weight Fighter

The Tejas Mk2 has been conceived as a medium-weight multirole fighter, larger and significantly more capable than the earlier HAL Tejas Mk1 variants currently in service.

The aircraft is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency with manufacturing led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Compared to earlier models, the Mk2 features:

• A larger airframe
• Higher payload capacity
• Improved avionics and sensors
• Greater combat range

Powering the fighter will be the GE F414-GE-INS6 turbofan engine, which provides significantly more thrust than the engine used on the Mk1 series. This allows the aircraft to carry heavier weapons loads while maintaining high performance during long-range missions.

Integration of Long-Range Strike Missiles

One of the most significant upgrades planned for the Tejas Mk2 is the integration of long-range precision strike weapons.

Among the first missiles expected to be integrated are the SCALP‑EG cruise missile and the Israeli-origin Crystal Maze missile.

Both weapons are already part of the IAF’s strike arsenal and are currently deployed on aircraft such as the Dassault Rafale and upgraded Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets.

SCALP-EG Cruise Missile

The SCALP-EG is a long-range air-launched cruise missile designed for precision strikes against heavily fortified targets.

Key capabilities include:

• Deep-strike capability against bunkers and military bases
• Stealthy low-altitude flight profile to evade air defenses
• Precision guidance systems for high-value targets
• Ability to strike targets hundreds of kilometers away

This allows fighter jets to destroy strategic targets without entering enemy air defense zones.

Crystal Maze Precision Strike Weapon

The Crystal Maze missile, also known as an air-to-surface precision weapon, is designed to attack high-value targets such as radar stations, command centers, and air defense installations.

Key features include:

• Range of approximately 250 km
• High-accuracy targeting
• Designed to destroy critical infrastructure and radar systems

These missiles significantly enhance the IAF’s ability to conduct stand-off precision strikes.

Advanced Air-to-Air Weapons

In addition to strike weapons, the Tejas Mk2 will also be equipped with modern air-to-air missiles.

Planned integrations include:

• Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range missile
• Astra Mk2 extended-range BVR missile
• Future integration of Astra Mk3

For close-range dogfights, the fighter will carry the infrared-guided ASRAAM missile, which is already used by the IAF on multiple platforms including the Tejas Mk1A.

Next Phase: Heavy Strike Weapons

The second phase of the Tejas Mk2 weapons integration program will focus on next-generation indigenous weapons.

Among the most notable planned integrations are:

• BrahMos‑NG, a lighter and fighter-compatible version of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile
• Rudram anti‑radiation missile series designed to destroy enemy radar systems
• Sudarshan Laser Guided Bomb, an Indian precision-guided munition for accurate ground strikes

These weapons will enable the fighter to perform Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions and precision ground attacks.

A Key Fighter for India’s Future Air Power

With its expanded payload capacity, advanced avionics, and powerful weapons package, the Tejas Mk2 is expected to become a “heavy hitter” in the medium-weight fighter category.

The aircraft will be capable of performing a wide range of missions, including:

• Air superiority operations
• Long-range deep strikes
• Precision ground attacks
• Suppression of enemy air defenses

By integrating both Western-origin and indigenous weapons, the Tejas Mk2 will provide the Indian Air Force with a versatile and powerful combat platform capable of meeting the challenges of modern aerial warfare.

As India continues to strengthen its domestic defense industry, the Tejas Mk2 represents another major step toward achieving greater self-reliance in advanced military aviation.