Analysis How Indian Navy's 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Vision by 2047 Casts Shadow of Doubt over TEDBF Program's Future

The future of India's Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program appears uncertain following the Indian Navy's recent announcement of its ambition to operate a fifth-generation deck-based fighter by 2047. This revelation, made at the Naval Conference, has raised questions about the long-term viability of the TEDBF, which is currently classified as a "minus 5th generation" aircraft.

The TEDBF, a project spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), was showcased as a scaled model at Aero India 2025. Intended to fulfill the Indian Navy's future operational requirements, the program has been assigned a revised timeline with induction expected to commence no earlier than 2038. However, the Navy's stated goal of fielding a fully-fledged fifth-generation fighter jet by 2047 throws the TEDBF's role into question.

While both ADA and Indian Navy officials remained tight-lipped about the specifics during Aero India 2025, acknowledging ongoing discussions, the situation highlights a potential mismatch in long-term visions. The TEDBF, in its current design, lacks key fifth-generation characteristics such as an internal weapons bay and advanced stealth coating.

Although an ADA official conceded that the TEDBF could potentially be upgraded to incorporate such features, this would necessitate a significant redesign, impacting 70-80% of the aircraft. Such an undertaking would likely involve considerable time and resources, potentially delaying the project further.

This is not the first time the Indian Navy has expressed interest in fifth-generation fighter jets. Nearly a decade ago, the Navy received an official briefing from Lockheed Martin on the F-35B and F-35C, further fueling speculation about their interest in acquiring these advanced aircraft.

The Indian Navy's Vision 2047 has brought the future of indigenous deck-based fighter development to a crossroads. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the TEDBF program will be adapted to meet the Navy's evolving requirements or if a new project for a true fifth-generation fighter will be initiated. This decision will undoubtedly shape the Indian Navy's capabilities and force projection in the decades to come.

 

[Enforcer]

Navy Wants F-35C.

 

[sujit raj]

Line cleared for f35c

 

[sanket]

After Air force now navy started to changing their demands, I was already saying Navy should think about AMCA naval version But some comedian were saying it will have affect on stealth coating bla bla

 

[Anonymus]

Navy Wants F-35C.

I don't think so Navy will go for F-35C after Rafale deal.

 

[Enforcer]

5th Gen's stealth is very important in today's warfare. Everyone has modern surface to air missiles now and more are being sold on the market. A 4th gen aircraft would have a very tough time operating in a contested airspace. That is why stealth is important.

 

[Anonymus]

5th Gen's stealth is very important in today's warfare. Everyone has modern surface to air missiles now and more are being sold on the market. A 4th gen aircraft would have a very tough time operating in a contested airspace. That is why stealth is important.

It depends on the situation. 5th gen has limited combat capabilities unlike 4th gen +. Within a few years, all ADS will be capable enough of taking on stealth jets. And without proper offensive capabilities, no one can win a war, and only 4th gen jets have those capabilities.

 

[VF VF1]

The Navy changed this stance after their IAC 3 got canceled. Every force wants a gold-plated toy - a fight between 3 brothers (IA, IN, IAF) for the most expensive gift.

As if the Navy is going to attack China with its 5th-gen fleet... China will sink your carrier in an actual war, so no 5th-gen fighter to launch from the SCS. The IN has to defend its coastal boundary; after all, we are not an expansionary force and not a blue ocean navy.

We are a non-violent, ahimsa-vadi, god-fearing force, right?

This is BS as the Navy just needs a twin-engine fighter which can carry loads of weapons. This can't be done in a 5th-gen design.

The Navy should focus on TEDBF but with an EMALS design with GaN AESA radar; that's near 5th-gen tech if they need shiny gifts.

Or this is revenge because the IAF is not onboarding TEDBF, thus hurting IN timelines, so the Navy said we will onboard AMCA.

 

[Enforcer]

I don't think so Navy will go for F-35C after Rafale deal.

Yeah you are right. Also budget is a problem.

 

[Steel Mathi]

2038 is a very long-term plan... By 2040, sixth-generation aircraft will be operational or in the process of being developed into a naval variant. By that time, India will not be able to acquire fourth-generation aircraft and will be at a huge disadvantage.

In my understanding, India can abandon this TEDBF aircraft and give priority to the full AMCA and the Navy AMCA...

 

[Sunny]

With the limited numbers the Navy is procuring of TEDBF, it will make more sense to go for F-35C, unless IAF joins the TEDBF program for their own variant. Depending on the timeliness of delivery of Rafale M, we could potentially cancel that order and go for F-35C if our requirements are met.

 

[Enforcer]

It depends on the situation. 5th gen has limited combat capabilities unlike 4th gen +. Within a few years, all ADS will be capable enough of taking on stealth jets. And without proper offensive capabilities, no one can win a war, and only 4th gen jets have those capabilities.

That has always been the worry of the US. If some new tech radar is developed to detect Stealth, the F-35 will become expensive trash.

 

[Anant]

Line cleared for f35c

Not happening. The F-35C would be absolutely terrible as a STOBAR fighter anyways. Moreover, the US has not offered the F-35 to India formally, so don't get ahead of yourself just yet.

 

[Anant]

With the limited numbers the Navy is procuring of TEDBF, it will make more sense to go for F-35C, unless IAF joins the TEDBF program for their own variant. Depending on the timeliness of delivery of Rafale M, we could potentially cancel that order and go for F-35C if our requirements are met.

Um, nope. The F-35C would be absolutely horrible as a STOBAR jet. You need CATOBAR carriers for the type.

 

[Anant]

Navy Wants F-35C.

They can want it, but the fact remains that with our STOBAR carriers, the F-35C is not a viable option.

 

[Sudha]

5th Gen's stealth is very important in today's warfare. Everyone has modern surface to air missiles now and more are being sold on the market. A 4th gen aircraft would have a very tough time operating in a contested airspace. That is why stealth is important.

Too much hype on stealth. Bharat has radars now to detect stealth planes.

 

[Enforcer]

Too much hype on stealth. Bharat has radars now to detect stealth planes.

All radars can "see" a stealth fighter. Even really old ones. Its the matter of how large it looks on the radar and the clear resolution of the image.

 

[Sudha]

I don't think so Navy will go for F-35C after Rafale deal.

What a nonsensical comment. Like he said, F35c is incapable of operating in a STOBAR flat top. You do not even know the difference between STOBAR, CATOBAR & EMALS.

 

[Anonymus]

What a nonsensical comment. Like he said, F35c is incapable of operating in a STOBAR flat top. You do not even know the difference between STOBAR, CATOBAR & EMALS.

This happens when you have less knowledge. HMS carriers don't have EMALS, still operate F-35. I know they are F-35B, but a little upgradation can easily operate F-35C from STOBAR as F-35 is capable enough to be operated from short take-off.
I know the difference between STOBAR, CATOBAR, and EMALS.

 

[Sunny]

Um, nope. The F-35C would be absolutely horrible as a STOBAR jet. You need CATOBAR carriers for the type.

The F-18 and Rafale M demonstrated quite capable STOBAR performance and both of them are primarily designed for CATOBAR, so F-35C with 190kn engine will meet requirements

 

[GMR]

Fully agree with IN. Which force will accept a 4+ gen aircraft in the year 2038? Shame on our aero sector developing & manufacturing agencies.

 

[vinod nair]

Yes, instead of buying the air force version of the F-35, buy the F-35 naval version if at all we need to buy as ransom.

 

[Venkat S]

IN can absorb both 4.5 TEDBF and 5th. There has to be a mix. Moreover, current ACs, I doubt, will support a 5th gen jet. Totally a new AC has to be designed for accommodating 5th gen. On average, India, an AC takes about 7 to 8 years to build and 12 to 15 years for a jet. So let AC with new design come out first.

 

[T54]

The initial blocks of TEDBF must be 4.5 generation with Little stealth by shaping . After 2to3 Squns are inducted the subsequent ones be built as 5th generation with internal weapons bays and Stealth design and coatings .

 

[DS]

Step one for IN should be upgrade capabilities of existing fighters and ensure MRO facilities in India to meet high availability requirements of users. That process is on . Good.

Step two - build at home the TEDBF . A wealth of data has been accumulated in NLCA program currently flying from our two aircraft carriers . In fact two squadrons of NLCA should be inducted for LIFT roles and Air Defence/ CAP duties.

Step three - go for AMCA ( N ) with ADA / IAF .