Indian Navy Awaits LCA-Navy Carrier Based Fighters as Govt Procedural Hurdles Delay Induction

The Indian Navy's ambitious plan to bolster its naval aviation capabilities with a squadron of domestically developed LCA-Navy carrier-based fighters has hit a snag due to pending government procedures, according to Jitendra J Jadhav, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

While Jadhav expressed confidence that these procedural hurdles would be cleared soon, the delay underscores the complexities involved in procuring indigenously developed defence platforms.

The LCA-Navy fighters, designed specifically for carrier operations, are crucial for the Indian Navy's modernization efforts and its goal of achieving self-reliance in defence technology, a key component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

These aircraft are slated to be deployed on India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, significantly enhancing the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

The delay, attributed to unspecified government procedures, likely involves clearances, financial approvals, and inter-departmental coordination within the Ministry of Defence.

This is not uncommon in defence procurement, particularly for complex, indigenously developed systems, which undergo rigorous evaluation and multiple layers of bureaucratic scrutiny.

The need for these advanced fighters is pressing, as the Navy's existing MiG-29K fleet faces increasing maintenance and operational challenges. The LCA-Navy, developed by ADA, represents a significant leap towards indigenous fighter jet technology.

It promises to provide a much-needed boost to the Navy's carrier strike groups, enabling them to effectively address growing regional security concerns.

This development comes as ADA, under Jadhav's leadership, is simultaneously working on other advanced fighter jet programs, including the highly anticipated Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).

The TEDBF, currently in its design and development phase, is expected to revolutionize naval aviation in India. With its enhanced capabilities, the TEDBF will significantly augment the Navy's ability to project air power from the sea, providing a strategic edge in maritime operations.

While the delay in the LCA-Navy's induction is a temporary setback, it is expected that the government will expedite the remaining procedures to ensure the timely deployment of this critical asset for the Indian Navy.

The successful induction of the LCA-Navy will not only strengthen India's maritime security but also serve as a testament to the nation's growing prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing.

 

[Prit]

Didn't Navy refuse NLCA?

 

[sanket]

TEDBF projects oooooooon, Only handful of countries have able to succeed in developing Naval Fighter jet , May b waiting for AMCA 110 Engine Deal Rafale Marine 26 Jet deal & MRFA to win By Dssault that will make Dassault as automatic choice as a consultant for TEDBF plus AMCA .

 

[M S Chatterji]

There is no urgent need for it. After Navy - Rafale purchase, there is no urgent need for it. There are other higher priority items.

 

[Vf Feb]

TEDBF is very costly with only navy on board and we r not Blue ocean Navy ..to strike a country with our TEDBF fighters ..so no point allocating this much money to it when tejas mk2 , AMCA is pending with shortage of engines.
Navy admirals rejected LCA navy ..now enjoy Rafale M and MQ9B ...TEDBF will go down the drain ..no point
Better Navy u shld have invested in 2 Kaveri engine based TEDBF...

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

When did navy agree to acquire a squadron of naval tejas? When did I miss it

 

[PKPRS]

This is treat for my ears, they are one of the best jets India has ever produced, much advanced and capable than the Air Force variant, it is better they induct them possibly in MK2 form, TEDbF or Rafale-M are not feasible at all

 

[PKPRS]

There is no urgent need for it. After Navy - Rafale purchase, there is no urgent need for it. There are other higher priority items.

We don’t need Rafale-M also, why waste $10Bln.

 

[RG]

Order for Naval LCA does not make sense, since the GE engine is not available. While the design work for TEDBF is going on, Naval designers should work on a LCA version with AL-31FP (modified appropriately) for single enginer LCA role, that should have enough power to lift it and provide air cover, might not have that much range but still be very useful fighter for close air support, survellience and other duties. There is urgent need for Simplified flexible single engine air platform that is based on existing proven technology that could be adopted and improved in future. Obviously that make the platform little less efficient, but at least it will be available.

 

[Vf Feb]

Order for Naval LCA does not make sense, since the GE engine is not available. While the design work for TEDBF is going on, Naval designers should work on a LCA version with AL-31FP (modified appropriately) for single enginer LCA role, that should have enough power to lift it and provide air cover, might not have that much range but still be very useful fighter for close air support, survellience and other duties. There is urgent need for Simplified flexible single engine air platform that is based on existing proven technology that could be adopted and improved in future. Obviously that make the platform little less efficient, but at least it will be available.

I agree ...thts only feasible as u need both russian and western engine to be running at same time .
GE can block F404 or F414 anyday ..110 kn future engine hopefully with safran is very far now ...M88 is not available , kaveri is not available and underpowered so Al31FP is available ...make it single engine certified in India itself ...get a test bed ..and make single engine LCA with 123 kn engine ..may be F35 class ..but it wld again need money ...Govt will not approve

 

[RG]

I agree ...thts only feasible as u need both russian and western engine to be running at same time .
GE can block F404 or F414 anyday ..110 kn future engine hopefully with safran is very far now ...M88 is not available , kaveri is not available and underpowered so Al31FP is available ...make it single engine certified in India itself ...get a test bed ..and make single engine LCA with 123 kn engine ..may be F35 class ..but it wld again need money ...Govt will not approve

Without money and risk there is sanction free option. If govt does not have money for this, then where do they have money for other imports.

 

[Anant]

Order for Naval LCA does not make sense, since the GE engine is not available. While the design work for TEDBF is going on, Naval designers should work on a LCA version with AL-31FP (modified appropriately) for single enginer LCA role, that should have enough power to lift it and provide air cover, might not have that much range but still be very useful fighter for close air support, survellience and other duties. There is urgent need for Simplified flexible single engine air platform that is based on existing proven technology that could be adopted and improved in future. Obviously that make the platform little less efficient, but at least it will be available.

Not feasible. Firstly, the Tejas would have to be modified extensively to fit in something like the AL-31, both from a size and from a weight perspective.

Moreover, the AL-31 has a low engine life, and naval operations don't help with that. Just look at the truly abysmal performance of the Su-33 in naval operations, even though the Kuznetsov herself has a large part in those failures.

 

[Anant]

This is treat for my ears, they are one of the best jets India has ever produced, much advanced and capable than the Air Force variant, it is better they induct them possibly in MK2 form, TEDbF or Rafale-M are not feasible at all

Considering India has only ever produced two jet fighters, and one of them was six decades back, your point is no surprise.

That said, the Tejas N has potential, but the Navy's concerns over the type are also very well warranted. It is possible the Navy may go for half a squadron or so of the Tejas N to use as trainers and bolster the MiG-29K fleet, which is slowly but surely shrinking.

The Rafale M and TEDBF are still happening. No change there.

 

[RG]

Not feasible. Firstly, the Tejas would have to be modified extensively to fit in something like the AL-31, both from a size and from a weight perspective.

Moreover, the AL-31 has a low engine life, and naval operations don't help with that. Just look at the truly abysmal performance of the Su-33 in naval operations, even though the Kuznetsov herself has a large part in those failures.

Negative mind set will lead one nowhere, Su-33 is twin engine large aircraft, I am talking about single engine aircraft with much more power. AL=31FP will have low life, but will be available as opposed to super duper refined and brilliant GE engines.

 

[PKPRS]

Considering India has only ever produced two jet fighters, and one of them was six decades back, your point is no surprise.

That said, the Tejas N has potential, but the Navy's concerns over the type are also very well warranted. It is possible the Navy may go for half a squadron or so of the Tejas N to use as trainers and bolster the MiG-29K fleet, which is slowly but surely shrinking.

The Rafale M and TEDBF are still happening. No change there.

Rafale-M talks stalled due to price disagreement, so it is not a sure thing, TEDBF not feasible at all.

 

[Sridhar]

If the govt procedure is delaying the capital purchase then its time to change the rules.