SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the Aero India 2025 exhibition, held from February 10-14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore, an official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) provided key updates on the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program to idrw.org. The TEDBF, a next-generation carrier-borne fighter jet designed for the Indian Navy, is steadily progressing, with the ADA aiming to complete its Critical Design Review (CDR) by 2026. If approved by the Indian Navy, the program will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final sanction, a milestone the official anticipates by 2027.
The TEDBF is being developed as a “fifth-generation minus” fighter jet, incorporating advanced technologies while stopping short of full fifth-generation stealth capabilities. Designed to operate from aircraft carriers, the TEDBF will replace the Indian Navy’s aging fleet of MiG-29K fighters and complement the naval variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Navy). With its twin-engine configuration, the TEDBF promises enhanced range, payload capacity, and operational flexibility, making it a critical asset for India’s maritime defense strategy.
The program, led by ADA in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and industry partners, aims to deliver a carrier-capable fighter tailored to the Indian Navy’s specific requirements. The ?14,000 crore budget will fund the development of five prototypes and the integration of key technologies essential for the jet’s operational success.
The CDR, a comprehensive evaluation of the aircraft’s design, is expected to be completed and submitted to the Indian Navy by 2026. This review will assess the jet’s technical feasibility, performance parameters, and compliance with naval requirements. Following the Navy’s acceptance of the CDR, the TEDBF program will be presented to the CCS for final approval. The ADA official expressed confidence that this milestone could be achieved by 2027, paving the way for full-scale development and prototype construction.
The ADA has set a realistic target date of 2038 for the TEDBF’s induction into the Indian Navy, assuming the program progresses as planned. This timeline includes the fabrication, testing, and certification of the five prototypes.
The Indian Navy has outlined 14 major features for the TEDBF, reflecting its operational needs for carrier-based aviation. The ADA has committed to incorporating these specifications, ensuring the jet meets the Navy’s stringent standards. Some of the key features include:
- Auto-Takeoff and Landing: The TEDBF will be equipped with advanced systems for automated takeoff and landing from aircraft carriers, reducing pilot workload and enhancing operational safety in challenging maritime conditions.
- Wing-Folding Mechanism: To optimize storage space on aircraft carriers, the TEDBF will feature a wing-folding mechanism, allowing it to be efficiently stowed in the limited hangar space of ships like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
- Twin-Engine Configuration: Powered by two General Electric F414 engines, the TEDBF will offer superior thrust, reliability, and survivability compared to single-engine designs, making it suitable for long-range missions over the Indian Ocean.
- Advanced Avionics and Sensors: The jet will integrate cutting-edge avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare systems, and a modern cockpit interface to enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
- Multi-Role Capability: The TEDBF is designed as a multi-role fighter, capable of air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike missions, ensuring versatility across a range of operational scenarios.
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