SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s ambitious Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program has achieved a significant milestone with clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The program is now poised to seek final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is expected to be granted sometime in 2025. This development marks a crucial step toward the indigenous development of a fighter jet tailored for operations aboard India’s aircraft carriers.
According to a recent report by The Print, the Indian Navy has received authorization for 87 TEDBF units in the first batch, with plans for an additional 58 aircraft to cater to the Navy’s third aircraft carrier. This phased procurement underscores the importance of the TEDBF in bolstering the Navy’s operational capabilities and ensuring self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
The TEDBF will serve as a replacement for the aging fleet of MiG-29Ks and is designed to meet the Navy’s specific requirements for carrier operations. Its advanced design will enable it to excel in multi-role combat, including air superiority, strike missions, and reconnaissance, ensuring compatibility with the INS Vikrant and the future IAC-2 (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier).
The TEDBF program benefits significantly from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, with much of the technology being shared between the two platforms. Critical systems, including avionics, radar, and weapons integration, are already developed or in advanced stages of testing under the AMCA initiative. This synergy not only reduces development time but also minimizes costs, as proven technologies are being adapted for the naval fighter.
The TEDBF’s design has undergone significant refinements and now bears resemblance to the French Dassault Rafale, particularly in terms of its delta-wing configuration and aerodynamics. However, the TEDBF incorporates Diverterless Supersonic Inlets (DSI) for improved stealth and efficiency, setting it apart from other contemporary naval fighters. The design is optimized for carrier operations, featuring strengthened landing gear, folding wingtips for efficient storage, and a higher thrust-to-weight ratio for short takeoff and arrested recovery (STOBAR/CATOBAR) compatibility.
The induction of TEDBF will have far-reaching implications for India’s maritime security and defense industrial base. The program represents a significant leap in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defense platforms. It also strengthens India’s ability to project power across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aligning with its evolving naval doctrine.