Indian Navy Explores Extending MiG-29K Fighter Jet Lifespan Amidst TEDBF Delays

The Indian Navy is actively considering extending the operational life of its MiG-29K fighter jet fleet beyond the initially planned retirement date of 2035. This development comes in response to significant delays in the procurement of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), intended to replace the aging MiG-29Ks.

The TEDBF program, crucial for acquiring the next generation of carrier-borne fighters, has yet to secure essential approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The absence of this clearance has pushed back the program's timeline considerably. Even with optimistic projections, the earliest the CCS could grant approval is next year, followed by a three-year rollout phase, another 3-4 years of developmental flight trials, and finally, the production stage—a process unlikely to conclude before 2033.

In light of the prolonged wait for the TEDBF, the Navy has initiated discussions regarding a life extension program for its existing MiG-29K fleet. These Russian-manufactured jets, inducted into service in 2012, have been instrumental in the Navy's carrier-based operations. The initial acquisition consisted of 45 MiG-29Ks, comprising 37 single-seat fighters and eight twin-seat MiG-29KUB trainers. However, the fleet size has diminished due to several accidents over the years.

The proposed life extension program would harness the capabilities of Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private sector companies to upgrade and maintain the MiG-29Ks. This strategic move not only aims to prolong the operational lifespan of the existing fleet but also reinforces India's commitment to self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and modernization.

While a definitive decision regarding the life extension program is pending, the Navy's proactive consideration underscores the critical role the MiG-29Ks continue to play in safeguarding India's maritime interests. This initiative also highlights the necessity of bridging the capability gap until the new generation of carrier-borne fighters becomes operational.

Additional information from open sources reveals concerns about the MiG-29K's serviceability and airframe issues. Reports suggest the Navy may not extend the fleet's service life beyond 2030 due to these challenges. As a potential stopgap measure, the Navy is reportedly exploring the acquisition of 26 Rafale M fighter jets before 2030 to alleviate the strain on the MiG-29K fleet.

The Navy's exploration of options for its carrier-borne fighter fleet reflects the dynamic nature of defense procurement and the complexities involved in maintaining operational readiness amidst evolving technological landscapes and strategic requirements.

 

[Anant]

Oh dear... This doesn't exactly bode well. We presently have 40 MiG-29Ks left, which makes for, in effect, 1.5 full carrier air wings.

Depending on when the Rafale M enters service, we may have enough MiG-29Ks to distribute operations better and extend their life that way, but a move like that should not be anything but a last resort.

There is no denying that the MiG-29K does face a number of challenges when it comes to operations, and this means that TEDBF needs to be taken forward asap.

In all honesty, with the Defence Minister, and more importantly, retired officers and defence analysts opining that IAC-II will be green-lot after the elections, we need to go forward with TEBDF development now. Three carriers means around 78 jets on the carriers plus land-based reserves, so a total of 85-90. Between the MiG-29K and Rafale Ms, we will have 66 aircraft in total (assuming no write-offs). That is an abysmally low number.

Moreover, with IAC-III planned to replace Vikramaditya in about 20 years and be a larger ship, the aircraft requirement (including reserves) may well go up to above 100 aircraft. If the Navy also wants a squadron or two of land-based strike aircraft, this may well approach 130-150. TEDBF development also needs to be taken forward at the best possible speed.

 

[Neal.B]

This lethargy for big ticket defence procurement gonna hurt our national interest sooner than later.

 

[Boomeranger]

This lethargy for big ticket defence procurement gonna hurt our national interest sooner than later.

Better for INDIA alliance to come into power now....

 

[Sandeep]

Better for INDIA alliance to come into power now....

What nonsense! The INDIA group and the corrupt jihadi party will be the worst mistake. All they do is steal money from the poor with numerous scams, corruption, accept foreign bribes to import military weapons and technology. They neglected every single indigenous weapon or technology project which left us decades behind in researching and developing our own jets, artillery guns, IFV etc.

 

[Sandeep]

India will have no choice but to upgrade and increase its life extension for another 10+ years. They need to upgrade the technology, system, weapon packages, jet computer, radar, avionics, air frame, wiring, engines etc.

Currently we are developing the TEDBF but it will take at least 10 years for them to design, manufacture the prototype and run the long and large amount of tests before they can even start production. If there are any faults or issues then it will delay producing the TEDBF even more and we need a large number of jets for both carriers and to protect critical naval bases. India needs to quickly conclude the Rafale marine jet competition so we can start receiving the Rafale jets in 3-5 years because they have a large backlog of orders placed by other countries so we will have to wait.

 

[Pramkumar]

IAF must go for the 56 NLCA and peacfully retire the MIG29. the production of the NLCA will pave the way for the quicker production and maturing the technology for the TEDBF.

 

[Pink Panther]

Oh dear... This doesn't exactly bode well. We presently have 40 MiG-29Ks left, which makes for, in effect, 1.5 full carrier air wings.

Depending on when the Rafale M enters service, we may have enough MiG-29Ks to distribute operations better and extend their life that way, but a move like that should not be anything but a last resort.

There is no denying that the MiG-29K does face a number of challenges when it comes to operations, and this means that TEDBF needs to be taken forward asap.

In all honesty, with the Defence Minister, and more importantly, retired officers and defence analysts opining that IAC-II will be green-lot after the elections, we need to go forward with TEBDF development now. Three carriers means around 78 jets on the carriers plus land-based reserves, so a total of 85-90. Between the MiG-29K and Rafale Ms, we will have 66 aircraft in total (assuming no write-offs). That is an abysmally low number.

Moreover, with IAC-III planned to replace Vikramaditya in about 20 years and be a larger ship, the aircraft requirement (including reserves) may well go up to above 100 aircraft. If the Navy also wants a squadron or two of land-based strike aircraft, this may well approach 130-150. TEDBF development also needs to be taken forward at the best possible speed.

Indian Navy finally realized that Rafale-M is not a suitable jet and 20 years waiting time to get them is just ridiculous, it’s a great decision from their part.TEDBF is the only jet going forward. MIG-29K could easily be upgraded like MIG-29UPG, the good thing is they fit Indian Carriers and can take off with reasonable payload and most importantly it will save us $6Bln that could be invested in TEDBF program.

 

[Anant]

Indian Navy finally realized that Rafale-M is not a suitable jet and 20 years waiting time to get them is just ridiculous, it’s a great decision from their part.TEDBF is the only jet going forward. MIG-29K could easily be upgraded like MIG-29UPG, the good thing is they fit Indian Carriers and can take off with reasonable payload and most importantly it will save us $6Bln that could be invested in TEDBF program.

Nonsense! The Rafale M is a perfectly good aircraft. The life extension the MiG-29Ks is being done because the TEDBF program may be delayed, not because the Rafale M has been cancelled.

Believe you me, had the Rafale M acquisition been cancelled, the Navy would have been running around, scrambling to either procure some MiG-29Ks from Russia (not that they would sell theirs), or would be rushing to order a few Tejas N aircraft. Considering that neither of those has happened, this life extension is a result of anticipated delays in TEDBF.

 

[Pink Panther]

Nonsense! The Rafale M is a perfectly good aircraft. The life extension the MiG-29Ks is being done because the TEDBF program may be delayed, not because the Rafale M has been cancelled.

Believe you me, had the Rafale M acquisition been cancelled, the Navy would have been running around, scrambling to either procure some MiG-29Ks from Russia (not that they would sell theirs), or would be rushing to order a few Tejas N aircraft. Considering that neither of those has happened, this life extension is a result of anticipated delays in TEDBF.

Calling an aircraft that can only carry 3.5 -5 ton pay load in a ski-jump or can’t fit the elevator to be taken down to the hanger, a good aircraft doesn’t make any sense at all, do you understand how much logistical nightmare removing wings would create during a war, Navy’s Selection of Rafale-M is only a rumor, not official.

 

[5powa]

Should go for the Super Hornet in that case as we’ll be liasoning with 🇺🇸 on the high seas most of the time, equip them with stand-off armaments etc.

 

[Rajesh]

Fast track tedbf program . If possible acquire the 26 foreign aircraft soon and also inquire wheather the Russian 24 migk is for sale which will complement the mig 29k jets with navy.

 

[J S Roy Choudhury]

Better for INDIA alliance to come into power now....

Why, oh, Why?

What was this great procurement efficiency that the UPA or I.N.D.I. group constituents have shown during their period?

Not only there was abysmal delays and extensive corruption at all levels of procurement, (if at all any "big ticket" purchases were made by them at all), but the worst was when the Defence Minister admitted on record that they did not have the funds to make the purchases! The DAC used to meet rarely and no worthwhile procurement was done for decades altogether.

It is only now that they have got their act together, and we must thank the late Mr. Manohar Parikkar and Sri Narendra Modi to bulldoze the vital acquisitions through G2G channels and to get them produced in India.

Whether our memories are so short?

 

[J S Roy Choudhury]

IAF must go for the 56 NLCA and peacfully retire the MIG29. the production of the NLCA will pave the way for the quicker production and maturing the technology for the TEDBF.

Naval LCAs are technology demonstrators, which they have done exceptionally well. However, the 'navalisation' with strengthened undercarriages have reduced their payload to a level lower than actually required in combat duties, especially when operated from ski-jump ramps.

Mig-29Ks are twin engined, with very high power to weight ratio, hence they are in a class apart, especially designed for off-deck operations.

If at all we need a short-cut stop-gap solution, the navalised version of Mig-35 may be a better candidate. It ticks almost all the boxes.

No doubt, TEDBF is the final answer, while all others are only to fill the operational gap in case the Rafale-M deal is delayed or gets cancelled.