‘Definitely no’: Ex-Air Force vice chief questions relevance of Tejas Mk-2 fighter jets in mid 2030s, slams HAL delay

Air Marshal (retd) Nagesh Kapoor, less than two months after retiring as the Indian Air Force’s vice chief, has publicly cast doubt on the strategic value of the Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet in the mid-2030s. In an interview with NDTV, Kapoor expressed skepticism over the continued reliance on fourth-generation aircraft during a period when global powers such as China are advancing toward sixth-generation prototypes. “No, operationally, definitely no,” he stated, emphasizing his belief that the time for indigenous fighter jets has come, but the pace of delivery remains unacceptable. Kapoor criticized the ongoing delays in the production of the Tejas fighters, particularly highlighting the slow progress of the Tejas Mk1A variant, which is currently in limited supply. He questioned the sense of urgency displayed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned manufacturer responsible for the project. “Why must it be that a machine that was promised to us so many years back with a certain set of capabilities continues to be denied to us on one pretext or another?” he asked, expressing frustration over repeated setbacks. While acknowledging the importance of indigenous manufacturing, Kapoor suggested that fourth-generation fighters could still play a vital role in filling operational gaps. “You can have a certain number of those 5th generation and 6th generation fighters, but given the size of the country, you won’t be able to deploy them everywhere. So those gaps which continue to remain to be filled will have to be filled by this class of aircraft,” he explained. This perspective aligns with broader calls for greater self-reliance in defense procurement. His comments echo those of former Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who previously raised concerns about the delays in delivering key military assets. At the CII Annual Business Summit in May 2025, Singh noted that the Tejas Mk1 was still awaiting delivery, while the Tejas Mk2 prototype had not yet rolled out, and the stealth Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) remained in the conceptual phase. These delays, Singh argued, were undermining India’s ability to modernize its aerial capabilities effectively. Kapoor’s critique extends beyond mere logistical issues. He emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach to indigenous production, arguing that prolonged delays risk compromising national security. “Indigenous is the way to go without a doubt but how long do we keep waiting?” he reiterated, underscoring the urgency of resolving bottlenecks in the defense sector. The situation reflects a growing impatience among senior military officials regarding the pace of indigenous defense projects. While the government has prioritized self-reliance through initiatives such as Make in India, the reality on the ground suggests that systemic challenges persist. These include bureaucratic hurdles, technical complexities, and resource constraints that have slowed down the development and deployment of critical equipment. As the mid-2030s draw closer, the debate over the relevance of the Tejas Mk-2 and the feasibility of deploying advanced fifth and sixth-generation fighters will likely intensify. With geopolitical tensions rising and technological advancements accelerating globally, the pressure on India to deliver on its defense commitments is mounting. Whether the nation can meet these expectations will depend on the ability of institutions like HAL to overcome persistent delays and ensure timely delivery of essential military hardware.