The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), designed to enhance India’s naval aviation capabilities, is currently facing developmental delays, with its Critical Design Review (CDR) still pending as of mid-2025. Originally expected to bridge the gap between fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets and to support the Indian Navy’s future carrier operations, the TEDBF’s timeline has been pushed back, raising concerns over its potential role in fulfilling the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) requirements. Despite technical challenges, there is optimism regarding the eventual approval for prototype development, which could rejuvenate the project. The TEDBF represents not only a strategic asset but also a critical step towards India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, potentially alleviating import dependency while bolstering indigenous capabilities in the face of regional tensions.