Strategic Defence Milestone: Indigenous Naval Fighter Project Gains Momentum

India’s quest for a fully indigenous carrier-based fighter aircraft received a major boost as media reports on 5 December 2025 confirmed significant progress in the development of the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). According to Saachibaat, the project — led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the DRDO — has moved into an advanced design and validation phase, reflecting a key leap in India’s defence modernisation and naval aviation capability.

The TEDBF is expected to become the backbone of the Indian Navy’s future carrier operations, replacing aging MiG-29K jets and complementing imported platforms until full indigenisation is achieved. The aircraft is envisioned as a 4.5++ generation multirole carrier-based fighter, capable of air superiority missions, anti-ship strikes, electronic warfare and deep-penetration attacks.

Why TEDBF Matters for National Security

A Critical Component for Future Aircraft Carriers

India is expanding its aircraft carrier fleet, with INS Vikrant operational and a third carrier under discussion. A modern carrier must be complemented by an equally advanced, reliable, and combat-capable fighter jet — something the current imported fighters only partly fulfil.

TEDBF will bring India:

• Greater maritime power projection in the Indian Ocean Region
• Enhanced air dominance capabilities over sea lanes crucial for trade and security
• Stronger deterrence amid rising Indo-Pacific competition

The aircraft’s folding wings and STOBAR/ CATOBAR compatibility aim to give the Navy flexibility across different carrier platforms, including possible future next-generation carriers.

Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Defence Industrial Base

Reducing Import Dependence, Strengthening Domestic R&D

The TEDBF project embodies India’s move towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing long-term strategic autonomy. Indigenous fighter development also strengthens the ecosystem of defence MSMEs, public-sector units, private manufacturers, and research institutions.

Key benefits include:

• Technological self-reliance in avionics, aerodynamics, naval-specific systems
• Skill development in advanced aerospace engineering
• Export potential in the medium-term, strengthening India’s defence diplomacy

The project is also expected to create synergies with other indigenous programmes, such as the LCA Navy, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), and unmanned carrier-launched platforms.