The Indian Navy has strongly reiterated its dedication to the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) programme, ending recent speculation regarding the future of the indigenous carrier-borne aircraft.
In a significant clarification, the Chief of Naval Staff has confirmed that the project remains a top priority and is poised for substantial progress in the immediate future.
This announcement highlights the Navy’s resolve to secure a "Made in India" fighter jet specifically designed to meet its complex maritime operational needs.
Synergy with Fifth-Generation Technology
Envisioned as a "5-minus" generation fighter, the TEDBF is set to integrate advanced technologies originally designed for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).The new deck-based fighter will share critical mission systems, sensors, and avionics with the AMCA, ensuring high-tech capabilities at a reduced development cost.
According to sources, the Navy is advocating for a unified industrial approach where both the TEDBF and AMCA are manufactured within the same ecosystem.
By utilising shared production infrastructure and technologies, the defence establishment aims to minimise risks and accelerate delivery timelines.
Open-source data suggests the TEDBF will feature a canard delta wing configuration and is likely to be powered by the powerful GE F414 engines, similar to the Tejas Mk2 and early AMCA variants.
Push for Cabinet Approval and Industrial Partnership
Naval officials have indicated that the immediate goal is to obtain clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) following the completion of the Programme Definition Review.This CCS approval is viewed as a crucial milestone that will release full-scale development funding and officially structure the programme.
Once approved, the Navy plans to collaborate with the same manufacturing consortium being established for the AMCA project.
This consortium, expected to be finalised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) by late 2026, will likely include major private sector players working alongside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Officials believe that tapping into this established pool of expertise will allow the TEDBF programme to proceed at a much faster pace than previous indigenous aviation projects.
Development Timeline and Testing
Current schedules project that the TEDBF will make its maiden flight approximately three years after securing CCS approval.This places the rollout of the first prototype sometime after 2030, trailing the planned rollout of the AMCA in 2028.
The development roadmap includes the construction of four to five prototypes, which will undergo rigorous testing.
These trials will specifically focus on carrier compatibility, including ski-jump take-offs and arrested landings—essential for operations from India’s STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
Future Fleet and Strategic Impact
In terms of fleet strength, the Indian Navy has committed to an initial procurement of over 80 TEDBF jets.However, this number could increase to approximately 140 aircraft if the government approves the construction of future aircraft carriers, such as the proposed IAC-II and IAC-III. These larger carriers would require expanded air wings, positioning the TEDBF as the cornerstone of Indian naval aviation beyond 2035.
By aligning the TEDBF with the AMCA ecosystem and pushing for early approvals, the Navy is signalling a strategic shift from conceptual planning to active programme execution.
If successful, this initiative will not only deliver a potent indigenous fighter but also strengthen the synergy across India’s next-generation combat aircraft programmes.
