*Web Desk:* Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-hyped vision of“Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliance) remains far from reality as the IndianNavy’s air power faces a serious crisis. Even after a decade in power, theModi government has failed to deliver an indigenous naval fighter aircraft.
According to reports, cronyism in defense contracts has derailed India’sself-reliance goals. In its bid to favor business tycoons like Adani andAmbani, the Modi government has sacrificed critical defense projects. Theambitious *Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF)* program remains mired indelays and uncertainty.
The Indian Navy has already rejected the inclusion of Tejas Mk-2 (Naval)and the naval version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).Earlier, the Tejas Mk-1 was deemed unsuitable due to excessive weight andlow payload capacity, and even proposals for its limited deployment wereturned down. The Navy had briefly considered the improved Tejas Mk-2 navalvariant but later showed no interest, choosing instead to prioritize themore capable twin-engine TEDBF.
However, the TEDBF project itself is nowhere near operational. Even aftermore than a decade, the aircraft remains stuck at the design anddevelopment stage, with crucial reviews still incomplete. The first flightis not expected before 2029–2030, while induction into the Navy may takeplace only around 2038. Delays, cost overruns, and supply chain issues areraising doubts over the program’s feasibility and timely deployment.
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Meanwhile, China has surged ahead by inducting advanced fifth-generationfighter jets such as the J-20 and J-35, significantly altering the regionalair power balance. By the time India’s 4.5-generation TEDBF is ready, itrisks being technologically outdated.
To fill the widening gap, the Indian Navy recently inducted 26 FrenchRafale-M fighter jets, further undermining the relevance of the indigenousTEDBF program. With Tejas failing, TEDBF delayed, and AMCA sidelined,India’s naval air power faces a serious capability crisis—threatening thevery idea of strategic autonomy that “Atmanirbhar Bharat” was meant toachieve.