India’s TEDBF Naval Fighter Program Progresses Toward Mid-2025 Design Review, Estimated R&D Cost Set at ₹15,000 Crore

India’s ambitious Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program is making steady progress toward its Critical Design Review (CDR), slated for mid-2025. This milestone is vital for evaluating the project’s design and technical feasibility, setting the stage for the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to approve funding for the next stages. Designed to bolster India’s naval airpower, the TEDBF aims to replace aging MiG-29K fighters while providing cutting-edge capabilities tailored to carrier-based operations.

A Unique Naval Fighter with Advanced Capabilities

The TEDBF is classified as a "5 Minus Generation" fighter, but its design incorporates state-of-the-art features borrowed from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. It will also include modifications specifically tailored for maritime environments, such as advanced avionics, semi-stealth technology, and AI-enabled systems. These features will make the TEDBF an indispensable tool for safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Key advanced capabilities of the TEDBF include:

1. Semi-Stealth Design: While not a full stealth fighter, the TEDBF will have reduced radar cross-section characteristics, making it harder to detect.
2. AI-Driven Operations: The integration of artificial intelligence will enhance situational awareness, optimize mission efficiency, and improve decision-making for pilots in high-stakes scenarios.
3. Cutting-Edge Maritime Systems: The fighter will feature long-range maritime radars and sensor fusion technologies to excel in naval reconnaissance and combat roles.

High R&D Costs Reflect Naval-Specific Demands

The research and development phase of the TEDBF program is estimated to cost ₹15,000 crores, reflecting the complexity of adapting an advanced fighter to meet the unique challenges of carrier-based operations. Some of the significant cost drivers include:

• Reinforced Undercarriage: To handle the high-impact stresses of short-distance, high-speed landings on moving carrier decks, the TEDBF requires specially designed landing gear.
• Tailhook Systems and Arrestor Wires: Essential for safe deck landings, these features ensure the aircraft’s compatibility with Indian Navy carriers.
• Naval Avionics and Systems: While leveraging technology from the AMCA program, the TEDBF requires custom adaptations like maritime communication systems and radars optimized for naval environments.

Commitment to Production and Deployment

The Indian Navy has committed to purchasing 145 TEDBF units to ensure the program’s financial viability. Production is expected to begin by 2034, with the fighters set to operate across India’s three aircraft carriers, including the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The large order will offset the steep R&D investment and lay the groundwork for a robust domestic defense production ecosystem.

Additionally, the lessons learned from the LCA-Navy program, which served as a precursor to the TEDBF, have reduced developmental risks and provided a technological foundation for the new fighter.

Strengthening India’s Naval Edge

With its blend of cutting-edge features and naval-specific enhancements, the TEDBF will be a cornerstone of India’s naval aviation strategy. The aircraft’s semi-stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and AI-assisted systems will enhance its ability to dominate the maritime domain and project power in critical regions.

As India continues to invest in indigenous defense capabilities, the TEDBF program reflects the country’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense technology while securing its strategic interests in the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific.