The Indian Navy is reconsidering its plan to procure 12-18 Naval Light Combat Aircraft (N-LCA) trainer variants due to concerns over safety in carrier-based training, favoring twin-engine aircraft like the MiG-29K and Rafale-M instead. The N-LCA, though capable, is seen as risky for ocean operations where engine failure could jeopardize pilot safety. The proposed twin-engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) lacks a trainer variant, further complicating training logistics. As the Navy aims for a robust three-carrier fleet by the 2030s, bureaucratic inertia and safety considerations delay the implementation of indigenous training solutions, raising critical questions about the future of naval aviation training in India.