SOURCE: AFI
The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, undertaken by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), holds significant promise as a potential solution for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Refueling and Transport Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
With its advanced capabilities and cost-effectiveness, the TEDBF could be the ideal choice for the IAF’s future fleet.
Comparable to Rafale: The TEDBF is being designed to be in the same class as the Rafale fighter jet, weighing around 24 tons. This ensures that it will possess the necessary size and payload capacity to effectively fulfill the MRFA role.
Powerful Engines: Equipped with either the powerful F-414 engines or new 110kN engines, the TEDBF will surpass the Rafale’s M-88 engines in terms of thrust. This increased power will enhance its performance, particularly in takeoff and climb rates.
Near-5th Generation Capabilities: The TEDBF has been classified as a “Minus 5th generation” fighter by the ADA chief. This indicates that it will incorporate many of the advanced features and technologies found in 5th generation fighters, such as advanced avionics, AESA radars, and stealth capabilities. These features will provide the TEDBF with a significant technological edge.
Cost-Effective: Compared to the Made in India Rafale, which is expected to cost over $110 million per unit, the TEDBF is estimated to be significantly more affordable, potentially costing less than $70 million. This lower cost is attributed to factors such as limited production capabilities for the Rafale and the potential for leveraging existing technologies from the AMCA program.
Leveraging AMCA Technology: The TEDBF could benefit from incorporating technologies developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This would allow the IAF to acquire advanced capabilities like AESA radars and avionics at a fraction of the cost of developing them from scratch for the AMCA.
In conclusion, the TEDBF program offers a compelling solution for the IAF’s MRFA requirement. With its comparable size, powerful engines, advanced capabilities, and cost-effectiveness, the TEDBF has the potential to meet the IAF’s needs while providing a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.