The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is spearheading a two-track development strategy for the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), designed to address the immediate and future needs of the Indian Navy.
This innovative approach aims to bolster the nation's naval aviation capabilities by simultaneously developing variants compatible with both existing and upcoming aircraft carriers.
STOBAR Variant for Current Carriers
In the short term, the TEDBF program will prioritize the development of a Short TakeOff But Arrested Landing (STOBAR) variant.The STOBAR variant will utilize a ski-jump ramp for takeoff and arresting gear for landing, ensuring seamless integration with the existing carrier infrastructure, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
CATOBAR Variant for Future Carrier
Looking towards the future, the Indian Navy envisions the IAC-III aircraft carrier, also known as INS Vishal, as a 65,000-ton CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted TakeOff But Arrested Landing) carrier. To fully leverage the capabilities of this advanced platform, the ADA is concurrently developing a CATOBAR variant of the TEDBF.The CATOBAR system utilizes a catapult to launch aircraft, enabling them to carry heavier payloads of weapons and fuel. This translates to a significant increase in operational range, flexibility, and overall strike power for the TEDBF when deployed on the future IAC-III.
Smooth Transition to Advanced Technology
The dual development of STOBAR and CATOBAR variants is a strategic move that ensures a smooth transition for the Indian Navy as it adopts the more advanced CATOBAR technology.Pilots can gain experience and operational proficiency with the STOBAR variant on current carriers while the CATOBAR variant is being finalized for deployment on IAC-III.
This two-pronged approach is a testament to India's commitment to modernizing its naval aviation capabilities. The development of the TEDBF, with its two variants, is a significant step towards enhancing the Indian Navy's maritime power projection and safeguarding the nation's interests in the Indo-Pacific region.