Former Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.) has advocated for prioritizing the acquisition of the Tejas MkII over the recently approved 97 Tejas Mk1A jets, citing the MkII’s superior capabilities, including enhanced avionics, range, and payload capacity. He emphasizes the need for the IAF to adapt to rapid advancements in air combat technology by adopting shorter upgrade cycles for its fighter fleet. Bhadauria argues that traditional decade-long upgrade timelines are becoming obsolete, suggesting that upgrades should occur every two to three years to effectively counter threats from adversaries like China. He urges Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to streamline its processes for integrating new technologies, positioning the Tejas MkII as a pivotal step toward building a robust indigenous fighter ecosystem that supports the development of the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). While the Ministry of Defence’s decision to procure the Tejas Mk1A jets reflects an immediate operational need, Bhadauria’s perspective highlights the importance of long-term strategic planning in enhancing the IAF’s combat capability and readiness in the face of evolving regional threats and technological advancements.