Indian Navy Plans Upgrades for MiG-29K Fleet to Extend Lifespan as Indigenous TEDBF Not Expected Before 2035

The Indian Navy is charting its course for carrier-based fighter aircraft operations, with a plan to rely on its existing MiG-29K fleet until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) enters service around 2035. This strategy reflects the Navy's commitment to maintaining operational readiness while bridging the gap to the next generation of indigenous carrier-based fighters.

The MiG-29K, a naval variant of the Russian-origin MiG-29, currently forms the backbone of the Indian Navy's air wing. Operating from INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant, these aircraft play a vital role in fleet defense, air superiority, and strike missions. While the MiG-29K has faced criticism over maintenance issues and reliability concerns, the Navy has implemented measures to improve the fleet's availability and performance.

To ensure the MiG-29K fleet remains operationally viable for the next decade, the Indian Navy is exploring upgrades focused on avionics, radar systems, and weapons integration. These improvements aim to address existing shortcomings and extend the aircraft's service life until it can be gradually replaced by the TEDBF.

The TEDBF, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a 4.5-generation indigenous fighter designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations. With advanced stealth features, superior avionics, and multi-role capabilities, it is expected to fulfill the Navy's long-term requirements for a modern and reliable deck-based fighter.

The TEDBF is slated to make its first flight in 2028, with operational induction anticipated by 2035. This timeline aligns with the planned phased retirement of the MiG-29K fleet.

By upgrading its existing MiG-29K fleet and investing in the development of the indigenous TEDBF, the Indian Navy is demonstrating a balanced approach to maintaining its naval aviation capabilities. This strategy ensures operational readiness in the near term while paving the way for a future with advanced, indigenously-developed carrier-based fighter aircraft.

 

[Vivek M. R]

Just curious to know are we upgrading mig 29K to upg upgrade plus GaAs radar, new avionics? is it possible now?

 

[sanket]

Before 2035 26 Rafale will b Inducted one of Aircraft carrier may have Rafale M, Enough Time for perfection & Fine Tune for TEDBF may b If AMCA Engine with 110 kN gets ready for production then TEDBF may see with Indigenous Engine instead of GE-414 98 kN Engine

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Plan it till 2040. First time we will make a dual engine jet. It may take time to develop.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

What choice do we really have? we are already spending USD 7b for the 26 Rafale-M for the unused aircraft carriers.

The Mig 29 will make the numbers and serve as a core of the fleet aleast for INS Vikramditya as it cannot handle storage of Rafale-M without nose cone and wing tip weapons bay.

The aircraft carrier has a central lift which is just enough for the Mig 29 with folded wings, but Rafale cannot be parked in it's lower deck as it won't fit in the lift.

that leaves INS Vikrant ( IAC1) which will be the primary carrier for the Rafale-M, with at max 22 single seaters capable of aircraft carrier operations, with the 4 twin seat trainers to be operated from land.

So that makes it absolutely necessary for us to start on IAC-2 so that by 2035 when probably the TEDBF start limited series production or even first flight, we have a aircraft carrier for them.

But then the TEDBF in 10 years is highly unlikely given the fact that we are atleast a decade behind with the single engine, Tejas project

and are struggling with the Tejas mk1a yet without engines F404 needed for the aircraft, and need local manufacturing too if we need 93 more of Mk1a really

the F414 local manufacturing and the Tejas Mk2 is only on paper and yet to begin with no prototype yet in 2024, with rollout and first flight highly unlikely in 2025-2026.

TEDBF is just on paper really with no CSC approval yet or funding or firm commitment from Navy for the 83-87 aircraft claimed.

so that way it looks at the moment, we can start with IAC-2 by 2028 to be ready by 2040 and that's when the TEDBF might be beginning it's rollout and might have prototypes ready for flying by then

 

[Sandeep]

We should definitely overhaul the entire jet and make a comprehensive upgrade by replacing all of the old technology and equipment. These jets will still be in service for the next 15 years or more as even when production for the TEDBF jet begins it will take time to replace them slowly. Most of the technology and equipment can be designed, developed and manufactured 100% indigenously so the upgrade benefits our economy and ecosystem.