SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s quest for a robust naval aviation capability has taken a significant step forward with the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), a project spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the Indian Navy. However, questions linger about whether TEDBF will emerge as a true 5th-generation fighter or settle as a “5-Minus Class” deck-based platform. Recent insights from industry sources, as reported by idrw.org, reveal a complex decision-making process that led to prioritizing TEDBF over a naval variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Initially, the Indian Navy envisioned a carrier-based version of the AMCA, dubbed Naval-AMCA (N-AMCA), to leverage the 5th-generation stealth technologies being developed for the Indian Air Force. The AMCA, designed as a stealthy, multi-role fighter with internal weapons bays (IWB), supercruise, and advanced sensor fusion, promised significant commonality across services, potentially reducing costs. However, studies conducted by ADA and the Navy revealed critical limitations that undermined the feasibility of N-AMCA for carrier operations.
One major issue was the design compromise required for naval operations. ADA proposed a non-stealth variant of the AMCA with a hardened fuselage for carrier landings and limited IWB capacity. Simulations and data analysis indicated that the Navy would often be forced to operate this jet in non-stealth mode, negating the primary advantage of a 5th-generation platform. Carrier operations demand robust landing gear, structural reinforcements, and larger wings for low-speed control, all of which could increase radar cross-section (RCS) and compromise stealth. Additionally, the internal weapons bay’s limited capacity restricted the jet’s ability to carry larger anti-ship missiles, a critical requirement for naval missions.
A less-discussed but pivotal concern was the behavior of composite materials in the harsh maritime environment of the Indian Ocean, particularly the Arabian Sea. Composites, extensively used in modern fighters like AMCA for their strength-to-weight ratio, are susceptible to seawater-induced degradation. According to sources familiar with the discussions, as cited by idrw.org, seawater absorption can lead to hydrolysis, swelling, and plasticization of the resin matrix, weakening the fiber/matrix interface and potentially causing structural failure over time.
The Arabian Sea, with its higher salt content compared to the Bay of Bengal, poses a unique challenge. Unlike the LCA-Navy, which underwent limited carrier trials lasting a few hours to 1-2 days, a frontline fighter like N-AMCA would face prolonged exposure to these conditions. ADA expressed uncertainty about how AMCA’s composites would react over extended deployments, given the lack of long-term data on locally made jets operating from Indian carriers. This uncertainty, coupled with the Navy’s inexperience with indigenous carrier-based fighters, tilted the scales away from N-AMCA.
Faced with these challenges, the Navy and ADA opted for a clean-sheet design—the TEDBF, classified as a “5-Minus Class” fighter. While not a full-fledged 5th-generation platform, TEDBF is tailored for carrier operations, incorporating lessons from the LCA-Navy program. It features a twin-engine configuration (powered by GE F414 engines), folding wings, and a robust undercarriage to withstand the rigors of Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations on INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. With a maximum take-off weight of 26 tons and 12 hardpoints for a 7.5-ton payload, TEDBF promises versatility for missions like air superiority, anti-ship warfare, and electronic warfare.
TEDBF’s “5-Minus” designation reflects its semi-stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and AI-assisted operations, drawing technologies from the AMCA program but without the full stealth profile. This approach avoids the N-AMCA’s pitfalls, ensuring the jet remains effective in the maritime domain. Importantly, TEDBF’s design allows developers to address seawater degradation head-on. A dedicated team is studying composite behavior and exploring solutions like protective coatings and alternative materials to enhance durability.
The decision to pursue TEDBF also reflects pragmatic financial considerations. The program’s development cost is estimated at ?14,000 crore for four prototypes, significantly lower than the ?16,000–19,000 crore projected for AMCA. The Navy’s commitment to procure 145 TEDBFs by 2040 aims to offset R&D expenses, making the program commercially viable. In contrast, N-AMCA’s higher operational and maintenance costs—potentially 25–30% more than the IAF’s AMCA—due to carrier-specific modifications, posed a fiscal challenge.
The TEDBF program is advancing steadily, with the Critical Design Review (CDR) slated for mid- late2025, followed by prototype rollout by 2028–29 and induction by 2034. This timeline aligns with the Navy’s need to replace the aging MiG-29K fleet, ensuring a modern, indigenous solution for its carriers.
The choice of TEDBF over N-AMCA underscores a balance between ambition and practicality. While a 5th-generation naval fighter remains a long-term goal, TEDBF offers a capable, cost-effective platform tailored to India’s unique operational environment. Its development also strengthens India’s aerospace ecosystem, fostering self-reliance and technological innovation. By addressing seawater degradation and carrier-specific challenges, TEDBF could set a precedent for future indigenous naval platforms.
However, the decision raises questions about India’s naval aviation roadmap. With global powers like China and the U.S. fielding 5th- and 6th-generation carrier-based fighters, will TEDBF’s “5-Minus” capabilities suffice in the 2040s? The Navy’s focus on immediate needs may delay a true 5th-generation solution, potentially necessitating interim measures like Rafale-M or F/A-18 acquisitions.
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