Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for a major boost in Tejas Mk2 fighter jet production, expecting orders surpassing 200 units from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to modernize its fleet by replacing aging aircraft like the Mirage 2000, SEPECAT Jaguar, and MiG-29. The 4.5-generation multirole jet, with an indigenous content starting at 82% and projected to reach 90%, is slated for prototype rollout by late 2025, first flight in early 2026, and mass production from 2029, targeting an annual output of 30 units by 2028 to meet demands potentially forming up to six squadrons by 2036. A key enabler is the June 2023 agreement with General Electric for licensed F414 engine manufacturing in India, featuring 80% technology transfer, with commercial negotiations set to begin soon and conclude within three months as of August 2025. This initiative supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push for self-reliant defense capabilities, enhancing India’s aerospace sector and reducing foreign dependencies.