SOURCE: AFI
As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to face delays in the materialization of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, concerns are growing over whether this long-awaited procurement will ever come to fruition. With time running out, there is increasing pressure on the IAF to rethink its priorities. Instead of waiting for the MRFA tender to proceed, the IAF has an opportunity to collaborate with the Indian Navy’s Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program.
This indigenous project not only offers a viable solution for both services but also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals. Moreover, a closer look at the specifications of the Rafale and TEDBF reveals striking similarities, suggesting that the TEDBF could meet many of the IAF’s requirements at a fraction of the cost and with greater strategic advantages.
The MRFA tender, which envisions the acquisition of 114 foreign fighters to replace the aging MiGs and other legacy platforms, has been stuck in bureaucratic delays for years. Multiple rounds of Requests for Information (RFIs) have been issued, and numerous fighter manufacturers have shown interest. However, despite several IAF Chiefs emphasizing the urgent need to procure these aircraft, the program has seen little progress.
The cost of acquiring 114 foreign fighters—estimated to be in the range of $20–25 billion—is a significant burden on the defense budget. The government is increasingly hesitant to allocate such a massive amount to a single procurement when other pressing defence programs also require attention.
While global defense manufacturers are keen to partner with India, the geopolitical landscape and the push for indigenous defense manufacturing have complicated the decision-making process. India’s focus on self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat has introduced new priorities that challenge the justification for large-scale foreign acquisitions.
With the MRFA program struggling to gain momentum, the IAF should seriously consider joining the Indian Navy’s Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, which is making significant progress. The TEDBF, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a 4.5-generation fighter designed to operate from aircraft carriers. While it is primarily meant to replace the Navy’s MiG-29Ks, its design and capabilities make it a strong candidate for the IAF’s requirements.
Developing a single fighter platform for both services will save billions in development and procurement costs. Instead of spending heavily on importing aircraft through the MRFA tender, the IAF can invest in a domestically developed fighter that can be customized to its needs.
The TEDBF is being developed with significant Indian industrial involvement, boosting the country’s aerospace sector. Joining the program will further strengthen India’s defense ecosystem, ensuring long-term self-reliance in critical technologies.
The TEDBF is being designed with multi-role capabilities in mind, making it suitable for both air superiority and ground attack missions. This is precisely what the IAF needs to replace its aging fleet of MiGs and Jaguars.
The Dassault Rafale, which is one of the top contenders in the MRFA tender, has already proven itself as a capable multi-role fighter, with the IAF inducting 36 Rafales into its fleet. However, the TEDBF, still in development, offers comparable capabilities at a significantly lower cost and with the advantage of domestic production.
Why TEDBF Makes Sense for the IAF
Strategic Independence: The TEDBF offers India the opportunity to break free from dependence on foreign suppliers. While the Rafale is an excellent aircraft, it ties India to a foreign supply chain, which may not always be reliable in geopolitical tension.
Indigenous Development: The TEDBF is being developed domestically, which means the IAF would have more control over its features, upgrades, and lifecycle management. Unlike the Rafale, which depends on foreign suppliers for spares and upgrades, the TEDBF would be a Made-in-India solution tailored to Indian requirements.
Shared Logistics and Training: By aligning with the Navy’s TEDBF program, the IAF and Navy could share logistics, maintenance facilities, and training resources, resulting in reduced operational costs. This synergy would be especially beneficial for long-term operational efficiency.
Scalability and Customization: The TEDBF can be adapted for different roles as per the IAF’s needs. Its development is expected to incorporate Semi-stealth features, advanced avionics, and weapon systems that will rival 4.5-generation fighters, with a pathway to upgrade to 5th-generation capabilities in the future.
The IAF must recognize that time is running out for the MRFA tender. Continuing to wait for a foreign fighter acquisition may leave the force unprepared for future conflicts. The TEDBF program offers a timely and cost-effective alternative that aligns with India’s strategic vision of self-reliance. By joining hands with the Navy and investing in the TEDBF, the IAF can ensure that it not only meets its immediate fighter requirements but also develops a long-term indigenous solution capable of evolving alongside the needs of modern air warfare.