India’s aim of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in military aviation is in jeopardy due to the major standstill in its indigenous naval fighter program.
The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) development’s uncertainty and delay, as well as the Indian Navy’s decision to forego participation in the naval versions of the TEJAS MK-2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), are at the heart of this impasse.
Conceptualised in the early 2000s, the TEJAS MK-1 (Navy) prototype accomplished significant milestones, including its maiden flight in 2012, deck landings on the INS Vikramaditya in 2020, and the INS Vikrant in 2023. It was insufficient for the Navy’s requirements, nevertheless, because to its greater weight and smaller cargo capacity (2.5 tonnes).
This is a setback for the development of indigenous naval fighters and the lessons learnt from their development, since the Navy rejected suggestions for even limited introduction of this aircraft. Additionally, the Navy declined to participate in the 4.5-generation TEJAS MK-2 naval derivative, which has better payload and range capabilities.
In order to confront expanding Chinese naval air power in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy chose to pursue the TEDBF, a 4.5 generation fighter with twin engines, a greater payload, a longer range, and higher capability. It was thought to be more appropriate for the aircraft carriers’ restricted air wings.
However, over ten years after its conception, the TEDBF is still in the design and development stage. Critical design assessments are still pending, funding and approval have been postponed, the first flight has been rescheduled for 2029–2030, and induction is scheduled for 2038.
Its cost-effectiveness and timely implementation are complicated by these delays as well as the requirement for separate supply chains and lifetime support.
With China testing cutting-edge models like the J-36 and J-50 and introducing fifth-generation fighters like the J-20 and J-35, the threat picture has significantly changed in the interim. Given this, the TEDBF, a fighter from generation 4.5, can become outdated after being introduced.
A more promising platform to counter future threats is the AMCA, a 5.5 generation stealth fighter program approved by the government with a bigger payload capacity. To join the naval AMCA program, which has advanced more quickly and can benefit from the experience of the TEJAS (Navy), the Navy does not need new approvals.
Due to logistical and financial challenges, the Indian Navy has already inducted 26 Rafale-M fighters, thus reducing the urgent need for TEDBF. Given the strategic maritime competition with China, importing jets and even granting licenses for the manufacturing of the Rafale-M could jeopardise domestic efforts to become self-sufficient in naval fighters.
As a result, India’s naval aviation autonomy is in jeopardy due to the inability to introduce the TEJAS MK-1 (Navy), the delay in TEDBF, and the lack of involvement in AMCA naval variants.
In order to gather operational data and enhance future designs, former naval officers have argued for the Navy’s TEJAS MK-1 to be introduced, at least partially, for air defence and training purposes.
The suggested course adjustment is to prioritise naval AMCA participation coupled with restricted TEJAS MK-1 induction, given that the TEDBF is probably going to be postponed until the late 2030s and that Chinese fifth and sixth generation fighter developments are changing.
By striking a balance between immediate operational requirements and long-term technological advantage, India is able to keep up its progress towards Atmanirbharta in the development of vital maritime combat aircraft technology and retain its strategic readiness for new threats in the Indo-Pacific maritime area.
