ADA Optimistic to Develop Air Force Variant of TEDBF within Two Years, Offering Interim Solution Until AMCA and Tejas Mk2 Available

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has received approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to finalize the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, designed specifically for the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier operations.

However, ADA officials have expressed optimism about the possibility of adapting the TEDBF for the Indian Air Force (IAF), should there be interest.

The TEDBF, a 26-ton aircraft optimized for naval operations, could be modified for Air Force use by removing naval-specific features like the folding wings and the robust landing gear necessary for carrier landings.

ADA officials believe this adaptation could be achieved in under two years, presenting a valuable opportunity for the IAF to leverage indigenous technology.

This proposed Air Force variant, estimated to weigh approximately 24 tons due to the removal of naval components, would offer several advantages:

• Reduced weight: Increased operational flexibility and potentially improved performance.
• More hardpoints: Enhanced ability to carry a wider range of weapons and stores.
• Increased fuel capacity: Extended operational range for long-range missions.
• Greater internal space: Potential for accommodating more fuel or avionics, further enhancing performance.

While the IAF has not officially joined the TEDBF program, the possibility of an Air Force variant has generated interest. ADA officials suggest this variant could serve as an interim solution or complement to other ongoing projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the upgraded LCA Tejas Mk2.

However, the development of this variant hinges on the IAF's strategic needs and its willingness to invest in a naval-derived design. The IAF's current Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition plans and its overall fleet modernization strategy will ultimately determine whether this opportunity is pursued.

If the IAF chooses to adopt the TEDBF, it would gain access to a versatile, indigenously developed fighter jet that could bridge the gap until the AMCA and Tejas Mk2 become operational. This move would not only strengthen the IAF's capabilities but also contribute to India's growing self-reliance in defence technology.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Till today only aircraft engine developed by India, that has been tested successfully in any aircraft or missile is the MANIK engine. It was used with the Nirbhay cruise missile.
It generates 425 kgf or 4.2 KiloNewtons of thrust and weighs 110 Kgs (very heavy) . Thrust to Weight ratio ~ 3.8.
Incidentally Tomahawk missile USA uses since 1980s has a turbofan engine. It generates 1.9 Kilonewton but weighs only 30 Kgs. Thrust to weight ratio - 6.5.

India has not tested any other aircraft engine successfully.

Kaveri is under test - results will appear March 2025 onwards. If it is successful - that would be a Gigantic boost.

Otherwise all these alphabet soups like TEDBF, HAL Tejas MARK 1, MARK 2, AMCA, - these are only meant to fool the illiterate masses. To give them a false sense of hope.

Because USA is non-committal of delivering the engines GE F404, GE F414. Rolls Royce (UK) and France are only looking to take money from India, give India some tiny bit of technical knowhow, develop their own engine for 6th Gen aircraft. And we will celebrate saying "WE have developed our own Aircraft engine". Russia is refusing to give any more technological knowhow for AL 31 FP that we use with the Su 30 MKI. India has indigenous content of 54% in AL 31 FP engine.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Put in 2 F414 engines, it can be a heavy-class fighter and replace the Sukhoi Su-30MKIs.

Indian Su-30MKI is the only plane that works in large numbers.

 

[desigandu]

This is not a good idea …TEDBF becomes available earliest is 2035-2040, and at that time only stealth jets with drones will be able to penetrate and operate in contested airspaces, so IAF must get more AMCA, ghatak and CATS warrior type capability, as compared to TEDBF…

I understand why the Navy wants TEDBF due to cost of maintaining stealth planes at sea but we should junk it and just get Naval AMCA….In the interim Navy should get 26-36 more RafalesMs (which can be clubbed with 36 more jets for IAF while killing the MRFA tender) , so 3-4 carriers can be used by 2040; then switch to Naval AMCA…For those who say Navy does not want AMCA and DRDO can’t navalize it BS- it can be done with investment, and naval version should fly only with the desi high thrust engine that should come by 2035, due to additional power needs…As for existing carriers if RafalesMs can fly from it a slightly heavier AMCA can do too with a smallish payload…

IMO TEDBF may not get approval and die slowly!