Indian Navy's Future TEDBF Fighter Jet on Track for Critical Design Review by 2026 and Govt Sanction by 2027, Replacing Aging Mig-29K Fleet

The Indian Navy's ambitious project to develop a next-generation, carrier-borne fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), is making significant progress.

An official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) confirmed that the program is on schedule to achieve its Critical Design Review (CDR) by 2026. This information was shared during the Aero India 2025 exhibition, which took place from February 10-14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station.

The TEDBF is envisioned as an advanced, "fifth-generation minus" fighter, incorporating many cutting-edge technologies, though it will not possess full fifth-generation stealth characteristics. It's designed to operate from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, ultimately replacing the current fleet of MiG-29K fighters. The TEDBF will also serve alongside the naval variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Navy). The aircraft's twin-engine design will provide increased range, payload, and operational adaptability, which are crucial for India's maritime security.

The development is being spearheaded by the ADA in collaboration with the DRDO and various industry partners. The goal is to produce a carrier-capable fighter jet uniquely suited to the Indian Navy's operational needs. The allocated budget of approximately ₹14,000 crore (roughly $1.68 Billion USD, as of current exchange rates) will support the creation of five prototypes and the incorporation of essential technologies.

The CDR, a crucial stage in the development process, involves a thorough evaluation of the aircraft's design. The ADA expects to complete and submit this comprehensive review to the Indian Navy by 2026. The CDR will rigorously examine the jet's technical viability, performance capabilities, and adherence to the Navy's specific requirements. If the Indian Navy approves the CDR, the TEDBF program will then be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval. The ADA official expressed optimism that this approval could be secured by 2027, initiating full-scale development and the construction of prototypes.

The ADA has projected a 2038 target date for the TEDBF's entry into service with the Indian Navy, contingent upon the program proceeding according to the current plan. This timeline encompasses the construction, rigorous testing, and certification of the five planned prototypes.

The Indian Navy has specified 14 key features for the TEDBF, reflecting its demands for carrier-based operations. The ADA is committed to integrating these features to ensure the aircraft meets the Navy’s exacting specifications. Among these crucial capabilities are:

• Automated Takeoff and Landing: The TEDBF will incorporate sophisticated systems for automated takeoff and landing on aircraft carriers. This will reduce the pilot's workload and improve safety during operations in demanding sea conditions.
• Wing-Folding Mechanism: To maximize storage efficiency on aircraft carriers such as INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, the TEDBF will include a wing-folding mechanism, enabling compact storage within the ships' limited hangar space.
• Twin-Engine Configuration: Utilizing two General Electric F414 engines, the TEDBF is designed for greater thrust, reliability, and resilience, particularly when compared to single-engine aircraft. This configuration is essential for extended missions over the Indian Ocean. (The GE F414 is a widely used afterburning turbofan engine known for its reliability and performance in aircraft like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet).
• Advanced Avionics and Sensors: The jet will be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare capabilities, and a modern cockpit interface. These systems will significantly enhance situational awareness and overall combat effectiveness.
• Multi-Role Capability: The TEDBF is conceived as a versatile, multi-role fighter. It will be capable of performing air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike missions, providing flexibility across a wide spectrum of operational needs.

 

[Ysmir Rewari]

The timelines don't make sense. Chinese navy will be fielding J-35s by 2030. Where as TEDBF prototype will be rolled out in 2030 (3 years after CCS)

Either this program needs to be expedited or AMCA-N should be pursued.

 

[sanket]

A 14,000 crore budget is allocated for the development of 5 prototypes of the TEDBF and the integration of key technologies. This is far lower compared to similar project development costs. Secondly, the Indian Navy (IN) has joined hands with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the AMCA naval version. The development cost would not only be shared, but with commonality, the per-unit cost with a customized naval variant would be lower, saving costs. The AMCA development cost is 15,000 crore + TEDBF's 14,000 crore, equalling 15,000 crore + 14,000 crore = 29,000 crore.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

For Rafael's they delayed it so much. This project is at least 10 years late.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

For Rafael's they delayed it so much. This project is at least 10 years late.

You are right but finance was the problem.and still is.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

If the projected timeline is 2038 for induction, it could easily be 2040, and that too would be considered good. But an advanced 4th gen jet will not be sufficient in 2040. They should be investing in the AMCA N in that case. Or at least simultaneously in both. A combination of TEDBF and AMCA would be good, but I know that's too much for them.

 

[Sudha]

A 14,000 crore budget is allocated for the development of 5 prototypes of the TEDBF and the integration of key technologies. This is far lower compared to similar project development costs. Secondly, the Indian Navy (IN) has joined hands with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the AMCA naval version. The development cost would not only be shared, but with commonality, the per-unit cost with a customized naval variant would be lower, saving costs. The AMCA development cost is 15,000 crore + TEDBF's 14,000 crore, equalling 15,000 crore + 14,000 crore = 29,000 crore.

What type of mathematics is it? Cost will be either 15,000 crore or a little above that but savings cannot be 29,000/- crores for at least one cost will be there to design it.

 

[Rama Hota]

We need AMCA Naval version

 

[Sudha]

For Rafael's they delayed it so much. This project is at least 10 years late.

People these days cry for everything. The priority of GOB is rapid economic development, which will bring in more money to the defence budget, even if the defence allocation is between 2 to 2.50% of GDP. Yes, more can be allocated to defence now, but then we will land up like Pakistan. China followed the same steps of economic development first, which naturally increased the funds for defence.

Looking in another angle, people enjoy better infrastructure like no blackouts, better roads, better airport & port facilities, good supply of petroleum products....... In addition, even though people holler for increased defence budget, they make a big cry like infants in case taxes are raised to meet the defence budget. Oh, but they are always ready to enjoy freebies & subsidies, even though at the cost of fiscal well-being.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

You are right but finance was the problem.and still is.

Great! 7 to 8 billion for Rafale's is no issue; 1.5 to 2 billion for TEDBF is.

 

[sanket]

What type of mathematics is it? Cost will be either 15,000 crore or a little above that but savings cannot be 29,000/- crores for at least one cost will be there to design it.

It means if IN had gone with IAF with a common platform Naval variant, it would have saved TEDBF 14000 cr. I have said it several times, but some fools were saying the stealth coating cost would be more. Now, recently there was news about the Navy being interested in a 5th Gen platform. This shows the Navy too has ever-changing demands like the Army; they are not firm. Second part: IN's recent requirement is 145 jets; earlier, it was 100-odd. With IAF 200 plus & Naval 145, the combined order over 350 would have saved lots of money with economies of scale. Just like Rafale has both variants with at least 75% commonality between the two variants, maybe the per-unit cost would have dropped below 100 Mn$.

 

[Rokuth]

The timelines don't make sense. Chinese navy will be fielding J-35s by 2030. Where as TEDBF prototype will be rolled out in 2030 (3 years after CCS)

Either this program needs to be expedited or AMCA-N should be pursued.

India does not have the luxury of utilizing stolen Western technology like China does. Naturally, the process of developing a new 4.95 Gen fighter indigenously is going to take longer. One only has to look at the Tejas program to understand what progress India is making in reducing time in bringing a world-beating design to reality and into service.

 

[Anant]

If the projected timeline is 2038 for induction, it could easily be 2040, and that too would be considered good. But an advanced 4th gen jet will not be sufficient in 2040. They should be investing in the AMCA N in that case. Or at least simultaneously in both. A combination of TEDBF and AMCA would be good, but I know that's too much for them.

Arey bhai, it has been said so many times on this platform that AMCA N was rejected by the Navy for a couple of very valid reasons.

Make no mistake. If you want a naval 5th generation fighter, that is going to essentially be a new project.

 

[Anant]

world-beating design

Slow down, will you. The Tejas is a pretty decent 4.5th generation aircraft, but it is by no means world beating, as you put it. Oh, and one probably shouldn't be using the Tejas to showcase timelines, considering its history.

 

[Anant]

We need AMCA Naval version

You can try, but it won't be usable from our STOBAR carriers due to weight.

 

[Sandeep]

If the projected timeline is 2038 for induction, it could easily be 2040, and that too would be considered good. But an advanced 4th gen jet will not be sufficient in 2040. They should be investing in the AMCA N in that case. Or at least simultaneously in both. A combination of TEDBF and AMCA would be good, but I know that's too much for them.

Navy rejected it because the stealth material and paint keeps getting corroded away very quickly from the salty sea and humidity.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

Arey bhai, it has been said so many times on this platform that AMCA N was rejected by the Navy for a couple of very valid reasons.

Make no mistake. If you want a naval 5th generation fighter, that is going to essentially be a new project.

What were the reasons they rejected it?

 

[Sandeep]

This is a critical jet because it can even be used by the air force if they wanted to increase their double engine 4.5th generation numbers of jets.

They should quickly finish the CDR as soon as possible by the end of the year but developing a carrier operated jets technology, equipment, software, weapons etc is very complex and difficult.

 

[Rokuth]

Slow down, will you. The Tejas is a pretty decent 4.5th generation aircraft, but it is by no means world beating, as you put it. Oh, and one probably shouldn't be using the Tejas to showcase timelines, considering its history.

Apologies for the miscommunication. I was actually referring to the TEDBF, and AMCA as World beating designs. As to showcasing the Tejas Timeline, IMHO, it is still useful as a tool on what NOT to do. Lessons can still be learnt from mistakes as the consequences have been shown.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

From initial design, only the TEDBF must be fitted with 116-120-130 kN EPE/EDE GE engines designed, upgraded, and manufactured in India with 80% TOT, and also to be used in LCA Mk-2 subsequent batches.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

People these days cry for everything. The priority of GOB is rapid economic development, which will bring in more money to the defence budget, even if the defence allocation is between 2 to 2.50% of GDP. Yes, more can be allocated to defence now, but then we will land up like Pakistan. China followed the same steps of economic development first, which naturally increased the funds for defence.

Looking in another angle, people enjoy better infrastructure like no blackouts, better roads, better airport & port facilities, good supply of petroleum products....... In addition, even though people holler for increased defence budget, they make a big cry like infants in case taxes are raised to meet the defence budget. Oh, but they are always ready to enjoy freebies & subsidies, even though at the cost of fiscal well-being.

Indigenous products have a ripple effect. They also create more jobs and help industry move forward. The whole supply chain benefits. With 7 billion USD, we can have R&D and 50+ TEDBFs. Cheaper maintenance and mid-life upgrades, along with taxes, GST, etc., flowing back to the government.

 

[Karmic]

I am sure this AMCA will not be any better than Rafale and will be even less in some areas compared to the current Rafale. Indians don't have much experience in product design and management. Even most Indian technology companies are like service providers or vendors. HAL and DRDO should be led by some product-based CEO who can bring expertise on how to cut time and move these programs fast. Babus won't be able to handle it as they don't have exposure. Currently, they are promoting good scientists to lead while product management is a totally different skill.

 

[sas]

Stealth is now an essential feature required in fighter jets unless any new technology has been developed that surpasses this feature and makes stealth aircraft detectable, trackable, and able to provide a firing solution at a decent range. So this TEDBF is a dead-end project like the TAPAS. Just stop it and design a naval version of AMCA.

 

[beencensured]

Great! 7 to 8 billion for Rafale's is no issue; 1.5 to 2 billion for TEDBF is.

$8.3 billion at this point for 26 naval Rafales with a maximum payload of 3.5 tons on a STOBAR carrier. The naval Tejas would have been better. $3.99 billion for 31 MQ-9 drones, $8 billion for a German experimental drone, $500 million extra ToT, but no full ToT GEF414 coming, now at $1.5 billion. 36,000 crores for 3 Scorpene submarines, and not flight testing the Kaveri engine since 2014, even after the very expensive French audit in 2018. Apaches and GE 404s that never came.

 

[Dredd]

The timelines don't make sense. Chinese navy will be fielding J-35s by 2030. Where as TEDBF prototype will be rolled out in 2030 (3 years after CCS)

Either this program needs to be expedited or AMCA-N should be pursued.

Just few days back IN chielf mentioned to get 5th generation jet for TEDBF and still ADA is insisting on 4.5 gen jet, They have luxury of time this time, they should go back to drawing board and create a good 5th generation jet design which can carry atleast 1 Anti-ship missile along with 3-4 AAM internally along with all the sensors.