Amid TEDBF Uncertainties, Indian Navy Close to Finalizing 26 Dassault Rafale M Deal to Fulfill Critical Carrier-Based Needs

With uncertainties surrounding the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, the Indian Navy is close to finalizing a deal for 26 Dassault Rafale M (Marine) aircraft to meet its urgent carrier-based operational requirements.

This acquisition is crucial for bolstering the Navy's capabilities aboard its aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, which currently operate the MiG-29K, a fighter increasingly seen as inadequate for modern naval aviation.

The TEDBF program, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), was envisioned as a successor to the MiG-29K and a key step towards self-reliance in advanced fighter technologies. However, significant delays, including an incomplete Critical Design Review (CDR), have cast doubt on the program's ability to meet its initial timeline.

These delays raise concerns that the Indian Navy may lose patience with the indigenous effort, potentially mirroring the fate of the LCA Navy MkII program, which was shelved without producing a prototype.

In contrast, the Rafale M, currently in service with the French Navy, represents a proven and immediately available solution. Its compatibility with the ski-jump configuration of Indian carriers has been demonstrated through successful trials aboard the INS Vikrant.

The potential for additional Rafale M orders beyond the initial 26 aircraft is high, especially if the TEDBF program continues to face setbacks. This could lead to the Navy opting for incremental purchases of the Rafale M, effectively sidelining the indigenous program.

A Difficult Balancing Act​

The Indian Navy faces a difficult decision. While the Rafale M offers a proven and readily available solution to meet immediate operational needs, prioritizing the indigenous TEDBF program could yield long-term benefits, including technological advancement and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.

Also, abandoning the TEDBF program would be a setback for India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. Over-reliance on foreign platforms like the Rafale M could also expose the Navy to supply chain vulnerabilities and cost escalations.

 

[sanket]

Another chance to place joint orders for 114 MRFA +26 Rafale M under Make in India is being lost Total order 140 will b good for Dassault too to have Assembly Line plus Eco-system for both version & to have export opportunities too

 

[Anant]

TEDBF needs to continue, and needs to accelerate. The Rafale M procurement, while essential, is a stop-gap measure, and that is where we should stop it. At most, the Navy can potentially go for another 4-8 jets as attrition replacements and/or to plug availability gaps in the MiG-29K fleet.

Beyond that, the TEDBF needs to be pushed ahead. We have plans for three carriers, which translates to some 80-100 fighters (assuming IAC-III does go up to 65,000-75,000 tons). Add trainers, attrition replacements, shore-based aircraft for strike missions, etc, and that number will very easily exceed 150.

Here's an idea: Push ahead with TEDBF development now, and go with an understanding that the Navy might possibly transfer the Rafale Ms to the IAF once sufficient numbers of TEDBFs are in service. A promise of an extra squadron and a bit will bring in some push from the IAF too.

 

[Neal.B]

26 rafale m thing leads us to nowhere. The number is miniscule compared to IN's requirements. If we have developed tedbf in battle mode, it would have been prepared by 2025-26. If only rafale m is ordered along with MRFA deal of rafale then it makes some sense. Rafale M is not gonna come before 2032. Till then only LCA N can rescue us from the shortage.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Beyond that, the TEDBF needs to be pushed ahead. We have plans for three carriers, which translates to some 80-100 fighters (assuming IAC-III does go up to 65,000-75,000 tons). Add trainers, attrition replacements, shore-based aircraft for strike missions, etc, and that number will very easily exceed 150.

Somewhere I feel, that IAC-2 would likely exceed 55000 MT in its final avataar. Something tells me, IN may go for Catobar configuration early on instead of wait for IAC-3 to gain the capability.

If that is the case, TEDBF might make itself helpful starting next IAC itself. But, much will depend on how soon GTRE can master Kaveri engine.

 

[Anant]

Somewhere I feel, that IAC-2 would likely exceed 55000 MT in its final avataar. Something tells me, IN may go for Catobar configuration early on instead of wait for IAC-3 to gain the capability.

If that is the case, TEDBF might make itself helpful starting next IAC itself. But, much will depend on how soon GTRE can master Kaveri engine.

Sir, I am in favour of CATOBAR, but the problem there is that steam catapults aren't efficient for a ship powered by gas turbines, and EMALS are arguably too power-consuming for a mid-sized, conventionally-powered carrier. That is besides the point that our own EMALS system is under development t and the US system is too expensive.

 

[PKPRS]

Another chance to place joint orders for 114 MRFA +26 Rafale M under Make in India is being lost Total order 140 will b good for Dassault too to have Assembly Line plus Eco-system for both version & to have export opportunities too

we can buy 26 Rafale-M+26 more Rafales for $20Bln alotted Budget and have to wait for 15-20 years to get the first Rafales when Tejas MK2, TEDBF and AMCA MK1 will be flying, why waste time and money on a obsolete 4th gen platform.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

we can buy 26 Rafale-M+26 more Rafales for $20Bln alotted Budget and have to wait for 15-20 years to get the first Rafales when Tejas MK2, TEDBF and AMCA MK1 will be flying, why waste time and money on a obsolete 4th gen platform.

Thank God the decision makers had more sense in selecting Rafale-M. The best thing is that it actually flies today as compared to the so called TejasMK2, TEDBF and AMCA MK1, which are pure fantasy !!

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great decision by GOI to buy Rafale M. Hope they can close the deal by 2026 end.

 

[PKPRS]

Thank God the decision makers had more sense in selecting Rafale-M. The best thing is that it actually flies today as compared to the so called TejasMK2, TEDBF and AMCA MK1, which are pure fantasy !!

Thank God the decision makers had more sense in selecting Rafale-M. The best thing is that it actually flies today as compared to the so called TejasMK2, TEDBF and AMCA MK1, which are pure fantasy !!

 

[Vivek M. R]

One question why India didn't negotiate for Licence production of Snecma m 88-2 for our TEDBF and ORCA when we purchased 36 Rafels and paid for India specific enhancements. we could have gone ahead with prototype of TEDBF and ORCA with GaN Radar and Astra mk1 we could have been in a better position.

 

[Mayank Shukla]

They should have simply bought 124 in Rafale in 2014 itself when it was L1 as per tender results in 2011 so much delay price hike .. now every other country wants Rafale

 

[Anant]

They should have simply bought 124 in Rafale in 2014 itself when it was L1 as per tender results in 2011 so much delay price hike .. now every other country wants Rafale

126 jets, but yes. You are correct. Of course, HAL wanted Dassault to take full responsibility for India-built Rafales while giving them practically no say over anything, so that was never going to float.