DRDO Proposes 8-10 Naval LCA MkI for Indian Navy to Gather Valuable Data for Future TEDBF Program

In a significant move aimed at bolstering the Indian Navy's aerial capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed the acquisition of 8-10 Naval LCA MkI aircraft.

These deck-based fighter jets are designed for aircraft carrier operations and will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the development of the advanced Twin-Engined Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).

The Naval LCA MkI, a variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) tailored for naval operations, has already demonstrated its potential with three prototypes – NP-1, NP-2, and NP-5.

These prototypes have been instrumental in gathering invaluable data and validating technologies that will be integrated into the upcoming TEDBF program. This strategic utilization of resources is expected to significantly streamline the development process and bolster India's naval aviation capabilities.

The TEDBF is envisioned as a cutting-edge "5th-generation minus" fighter jet, incorporating numerous technologies from the Indian Air Force's ambitious 5.5-generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program.

This integration of advanced systems and technologies ensures that the TEDBF will be equipped to handle modern combat scenarios while serving as a potent asset for the Indian Navy.

While the TEDBF will possess many capabilities of a full-fledged 5th generation fighter, certain concessions will be made to ensure affordability and maintainability, as explained by the former ADA Chief.

This pragmatic approach highlights the DRDO's commitment to developing advanced yet cost-effective solutions for the Indian armed forces.

The proposed acquisition of Naval LCA MkI aircraft signifies a crucial step forward in India's quest for self-reliance in defence technology. By leveraging the valuable data and experience gained from these aircraft, the DRDO aims to accelerate the development of the TEDBF, ensuring that the Indian Navy is equipped with a state-of-the-art fighter jet capable of safeguarding India's maritime interests.

 

[sanket]

Apart from steath Design it will also lack Internal weapon bay , they may possess some Tech / Features from AMCA , it should exceed the Tech/ Features of Rafale M . Like GaN based AESA Radar, Naval LCA MK1 should b Two seater Jet for Trainer purpose , Rafale M lacks Trainer version

 

[MANIVANNAN N]

Good idea. Traning purpose lca may used so mig29 relieved from that duty. But navy adamant they will not accept.

 

[NSR]

Before Rafale-M procurement decision, I wrote many times that Indian Navy should procure some of N-LCA Is for carriers and Shore Based Test Facility so that landing gear manufacturing can be perfected over years and also acts as a backup in case India does not go with Rafale-M or F/A-18 selection.

Now that Tejas IA is even a lot better than Tejas I, I think it is high time that India opens a N-Tejas IA stream and it may even surprise Indian Navy with its exceptional performance.

Rafale-M coming in anytime soon is really doubtful with Dassault having so much backlog.

So go with N-Tejas IAs stream for now.

 

[R. Singh]

Not 8-10 we need to make 80-100 Tejas-N armed with KH anti ship missiles for carrier + island based + Shore based Naval operations !

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

Please also consider Tejas-Naval-TEF ORCA jets on twing RD33MK Sea Wasp engines IN Admiral Sirs...

 

[Sandeep]

It was a good idea but the navy thought it was overweight, has a shorter range, lighter payload capability etc. Despite getting no orders and customers we have learnt a lot by developing it, we have tested equipment and we have gathered a lot of crucial data which will help us in developing the TEDBF.

 

[JudgeDredd]

Only at the hand of naval pilots we can get crucial data for TEDBF requirements,