SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) showcased a scaled model of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), a project designed to meet the future operational needs of the Indian Navy. However, the program faces potential challenges following the Indian Navy’s statement at the Naval Conference, where it expressed its vision for operating a fifth-generation deck-based fighter under Vision 2047. This announcement casts uncertainty over the TEDBF program, which has now been assigned a revised timeline with induction expected to commence only from 2038 onwards.
The idrw.org team at Aero India 2025 sought clarification from both ADA and Indian Navy officials regarding the Navy’s plans for a fifth-generation carrier-based fighter. However, no definitive response was received as discussions between the Navy and ADA on the TEDBF program are still ongoing. Currently, the TEDBF remains categorized as a “minus 5th generation” aircraft, raising concerns about its long-term viability.
When questioned about the possibility of upgrading the TEDBF design to incorporate stealth features such as an internal weapons bay and stealth coating, an ADA official acknowledged that such an upgrade could be considered if the Navy insisted on it. However, this would necessitate significant internal modifications, potentially altering 70-80% of the aircraft’s design.
The Indian Navy in Past had highlighted the shifting priorities in carrier-based aviation and had shown interest in the 5th gen jets like F-35B and F-35C for which it had got an Official briefing from Lockheed Martin nearly a decade ago raising speculation about whether the TEDBF program will be adapted to meet the Navy’s expectations or if an entirely new project will be launched to develop a true fifth-generation fighter. The coming years will be crucial in determining the direction of India’s indigenous deck-based fighter development.
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