SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s future carrier-based aviation strategy, is progressing steadily despite swirling speculation about the Navy’s long-term pursuit of a full fifth-generation jet. An official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), speaking exclusively to idrw.org, confirmed that the Navy remains fully committed to the TEDBF, classified as a “5th Gen Minus” fighter.
This statement comes amid reports suggesting the Navy might pivot to a stealthier, fifth-generation platform under its Vision 2047 roadmap. Addressing these concerns, the ADA official emphasized that the program is on track, with the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) slated for completion later in 2025, and dismissed any plans to transform the TEDBF into a fully-fledged fifth-generation jet with features like an Internal Weapons Bay (IWB).
The program is gaining momentum, with the ADA targeting the completion of the Preliminary Design Review by the end of 2025. The PDR, a critical milestone, will finalize the aircraft’s baseline configuration, paving the way for the Critical Design Review (CDR) expected by 2026. “We’re in the thick of the design stage now,” the official told idrw.org. “The PDR later this year will lock in the key specifications, ensuring we meet the Navy’s requirements for payload, endurance, and carrier operations.” Once the CDR is cleared, the program will seek Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval, with a projected budget of ?14,000 crore to fund prototype development.
When pressed by idrw.org on whether the TEDBF could evolve into a fifth-generation jet—specifically by integrating an Internal Weapons Bay (IWB) for frontal stealth—the ADA official was unequivocal: “There are no plans to convert TEDBF into a full fifth-generation jet with an IWB.” Such a transformation, while technically feasible, would require a radical redesign, altering 70-80% of the aircraft’s structure. “Adding an IWB would mean rethinking the airframe, avionics layout, and weight distribution,” the official explained. “It’s a different beast altogether, and that’s not our goal with TEDBF.”
This stance reflects a pragmatic approach. An IWB, while enhancing stealth by concealing weapons, would compromise internal fuel capacity and payload flexibility—trade-offs the Navy appears unwilling to accept for a jet meant to excel in maritime strike, air defense, and reconnaissance roles. Instead, the TEDBF will rely on stealth coatings, diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI), and a semi-recessed weapons layout to reduce its radar signature, balancing capability with affordability.
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