New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) has faced a major setback as the country continues to lag in developing a modern naval fighter jet even after a decade of efforts.
Corruption and political priorities have significantly hampered India’s ambitions for defense self-sufficiency. Preference given to prominent industrialists and investors has further delayed critical defense projects.
The Indian Navy has rejected the domestically developed Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-2 fighter jets citing poor performance, shifting focus to the twin-engine “TEDBF” (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter) program. However, this project remains incomplete, with the first flight expected in 2029 or 2030 and induction into the navy projected only by 2038.
This delay has left India vulnerable in the defense arena, especially as China has already inducted advanced fifth-generation fighters J-20 and J-35 into its air force.
Additionally, the Indian Navy has purchased 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France, which has further undermined the importance of indigenous defense programs.
Defense experts warn that failures in local projects combined with heavy reliance on foreign equipment have critically weakened India’s naval air power and cast serious doubts on the Modi government’s claims of achieving self-reliance in defense.
