The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) Program is currently under review with the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in India. This program, aimed at providing the Indian Navy with a modern, indigenous carrier-based multirole combat aircraft, has been cleared from various relevant ministries and is now in the detailed examination phase by the NSCS.
The TEDBF is designed as a canard delta wing, twin-engine aircraft intended to replace the ageing Mikoyan MiG-29K fleet on the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers. It’s classified as a “5th generation minus” fighter, indicating advanced capabilities but not fully meeting all criteria for a fifth-generation aircraft.
The first flight of the TEDBF is anticipated around 2026, with production expected to commence by 2031. The program seeks approximately ₹14,000 crores for the development of four prototypes.
The development of TEDBF is crucial for enhancing India’s maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Navy plans to procure up to 90 units of the TEDBF, reflecting a commitment to strengthening carrier-based air power.
The NSCS is examining a proposal for 87 TEDBFs for the Indian Navy, down from an initial proposal of 145, which was based on a three-carrier force. This adjustment reflects the current assessment of needs for the two existing carriers.
The program’s funding for building prototypes has not yet been released post-approval in 2020, which has delayed some of the aggressive timelines initially set for rollout.
Until the TEDBF is operational, the Indian Navy might continue with interim solutions like the Rafale Marine, indicating a phased approach towards modernizing naval aviation capabilities.
This review by the NSCS is a critical step towards finalizing the design, numbers, and strategic deployment plans for the TEDBF, ensuring it aligns with India’s naval strategy and capability requirements.