It's obvious at least from this early data that the mk2 is 1 ton lighter than the hlft42 (MTOW) while able to carry 2 extra tons of external load.
My main question is if these trainers will be equipped with better sensors and can carry more than 102AA missiles where even Tejas MK 2 Only can carry 8 AA Missiles than why the hack Tejas is needed when these look on paper more capable
This probably due to the all metal body vs the composite on the Tejas .
Main factor is cost, being a lead in fighter trainer it will reduce flight hours of front line aircraft for training .
secondly this configuration has been influenced by all these half trainer half fighter type competitions that HAL has participated in .