Did I say they've rejected it?IAF never rejected or downplayed Mk2.
The T/L of the AMCA Mk -1 was always set to clash with the Tejas LCA - Mk2. I don't think anyone gave credence to ADA / HAL claims of FOC / Production of Mk2 by 2028 except you .This is factually wrong from the hyperventilating casual observers of twitter. Projected mk2 numbers will decrease and the delays increase as AMCA numbers come in conflict with it. Post-2030, If AMCA is matured then there is no point of keep ordering mk2. Its already 28 months late if you go by the timelines ADA gave during AI-2019.
Even if AMCA Mk-1 in FOC by 2030-31 , is as capable as the Rafale F3 we've received, of which there's a good likelihood, the IAF would be a fool to choose more Mk-2 over it & would most certainly prefer it.
The IAF is probably asking the GoI to save on the development or at least cut down the production of the Mk-2 in favor of MRFA now & the AMCA Mk-1 early next decade. In many ways the Mk-2 seems dead on arrival.
All of which doesn't ameliorate the current situation of reducing squadron numbers, analysis by paralysis, decision paralysis & the stark fact that we will definitely face up with China before the decade is out with the IAF in the state it is in.
I never claimed IAF is controlling funding of the Mk-2 but in the light of the above developments, the MoD is definitely on the horns of a dilemma.IAF does not control funding for mk2 project which is under ADA. It was already approved by CCS a decade back. There is no funding shortage for a few prototypes.
As of now there's no urgency of funds as there seems to be enough for 1 or 2 prototypes .