SOURCE: AFI
Commodore Jaideep Maolankar, a highly respected test pilot with the Indian Navy and one of the key figures at the National Flight Test Centre working on the Tejas program, has recently raised concerns about the future of India’s indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) project. He warns that the Navy’s potential procurement of the Rafale M (the naval variant of the French-made Rafale) could jeopardize the TEDBF initiative. In his words, the Rafale acquisition might “kill TEDBF” as the rationale behind an “industrial strategy” could push the Navy towards committing entirely to the Rafale platform.
Maolankar’s statement underscores the complexity of India’s defense procurement strategy, especially in light of its ambitions for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). As India pursues greater indigenous capabilities in defense, the looming choice between the TEDBF and Rafale M presents both operational and strategic dilemmas.
The TEDBF, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is envisioned as India’s answer to the needs of its growing naval aviation capabilities. It aims to replace the aging fleet of MiG-29K fighters currently operating from the decks of India’s aircraft carriers. Designed to be fully compatible with the constraints and requirements of carrier operations, the TEDBF is expected to feature advanced stealth characteristics, an extended range, and advanced avionics—all developed domestically.
With TEDBF, India has the opportunity to cement its place in the arena of indigenous fighter jet production, joining an elite group of nations with the ability to produce advanced naval fighters. Beyond addressing the specific requirements of the Indian Navy, TEDBF is intended to fulfill the nation’s broader goal of achieving strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. However, this vision could be undermined if the Navy commits to the Rafale M.
India’s interest in the Rafale M comes in light of the urgent need to expand and modernize its naval air power. With the addition of a second aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, the Navy is keen to field a fighter capable of meeting current operational challenges. The Rafale M, known for its battle-tested capabilities, long range, and powerful armament, emerged as a top contender following a series of trials and assessments. However, critics, including Commodore Maolankar, argue that a commitment to the Rafale M risks sidelining TEDBF, jeopardizing the long-term goal of indigenous capability development.
According to Maolankar, an excessive focus on Rafale could undermine India’s strategic autonomy by tying its naval aviation capabilities to a foreign supplier. While the Rafale M brings immediate capability advantages, Maolankar believes that prioritizing it over TEDBF could stymie India’s self-reliance efforts. In his view, it’s “ironic” that the pursuit of Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, could inadvertently lead to a heavier reliance on an external platform, essentially “killing” an indigenous program that embodies India’s aspirations for self-sufficiency.
One of the concerns is that, once inducted, the Rafale M could establish a dominant role within the Navy, making it harder to justify an entirely new and indigenous fighter like the TEDBF. As the Navy adapts its training, logistics, and maintenance frameworks to accommodate the Rafale, the sunk costs and operational adjustments might create pressure to continue investing in the Rafale over TEDBF, further pushing TEDBF out of the spotlight.
Maolankar’s warning highlights a key tension in India’s defense strategy: balancing immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals. While the TEDBF is still under development, with expected timelines extending over the next decade, the Navy requires a high-performance fighter now to complement its new carrier. This urgency has added momentum to the Rafale M acquisition. However, this could set a precedent that might eventually lead to a reduced focus on India’s indigenous fighter programs, impacting the country’s defense industry in the long run.