SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy, which recently unveiled its ambitious Vision 2047—coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence—has sparked significant discussion about its fighter jet roadmap. Initially hinting at plans to integrate a 5th-generation deck-based fighter into its fleet, the Navy appears to be recalibrating its strategy.
A senior naval official, speaking to idrw.org, revealed that the Navy might bypass the procurement of a full-fledged 5th-generation fighter jet, opting instead to prioritize the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF)—a “5th Gen Minus” platform—while setting its sights on a 6th-generation successor by 2047.
The TEDBF, currently under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a twin-engine, carrier-based multirole fighter designed to replace the ageing MiG-29K fleet aboard India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Classified as a “5th Gen Minus” jet, the TEDBF incorporates advanced features like stealth coatings, diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), and semi-recessed weapons bays to reduce its radar cross-section. However, it falls short of the full stealth and internal weapons bay capabilities that define true 5th-generation fighters like the U.S. F-35 or China’s J-35. Despite this, the Navy remains committed to the program, with the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) expected to conclude in 2025 and the first flight targeted for 2028-2030, followed by induction around 2038.
The decision to back the TEDBF over a 5th-generation platform stems from practical and strategic considerations. The senior naval official highlighted that a 5th-generation deck-based fighter, while technologically advanced, imposes significant limitations. These include higher operational costs, maintenance challenges in the harsh maritime environment, and reduced payload flexibility due to internal weapons bays—factors that could compromise the Navy’s operational readiness. For instance, frequent carrier landings could degrade stealth coatings, necessitating extensive repairs and reducing aircraft availability.
Additionally, with global powers like the United States and China already advancing toward 6th-generation technologies—featuring artificial intelligence, directed energy weapons, and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T)—a 5th-generation jet inducted in the 2040s might quickly become outdated.
Instead, the Navy is exploring a bold leap toward a 6th-generation deck-based fighter as the ultimate goal of its Vision 2047. The official emphasized that this is currently an opinion under discussion, but it reflects a growing consensus within naval circles. By the 2040s, when the TEDBF is expected to be fully operational, the global aerial combat landscape will likely have shifted dramatically. A 6th-generation jet, tailored for carrier operations, could offer cutting-edge capabilities like enhanced stealth, hypersonic speeds, and integration with unmanned systems—aligning with the Navy’s long-term strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in countering China’s growing naval prowess.
The TEDBF, therefore, serves as a pragmatic bridge. With an estimated weight of 26 tons, a range of 800-900 km over the ocean, and the ability to carry 7,000 kg of fuel alongside weapons like BrahMos and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, it meets the Navy’s immediate requirements for a maritime strike, air defence, and reconnaissance. Its Indigenous design, leveraging technologies from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, also supports India’s push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Navy has proposed procuring 87 TEDBF units initially, with plans for an additional 58 to support a potential third carrier, ensuring a robust fleet until a 6th-generation successor emerges.
While the idea of skipping 5th-generation fighters is not yet official policy, it underscores a forward-thinking approach. The official noted that investing in a 5th-generation jet by 2040 might not be a strategic move when peers are already transitioning beyond. A 6th-generation fighter, potentially developed in the 2040s, could position the Indian Navy as a technological leader rather than a late adopter. This vision aligns with the Navy’s broader goal of operating three aircraft carriers by mid-century, necessitating a fleet of over 100 deck-based fighters.
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