India's Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) Program Advances with NSCS Review, Aiming for First Flight by 2028

India's ambitious Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program has reached a critical milestone, receiving clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and currently under review by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). This indigenous naval fighter program is poised to revolutionize India's carrier-based aviation capabilities, with the first flight targeted for 2028.

The Indian Navy has outlined a requirement for 145 TEDBFs to equip its planned three-carrier force. However, current projections focus on an initial batch of 87 aircraft, likely for deployment on the INS Vikrant and the future Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2).

The TEDBF is designed to replace the aging MiG-29K fleet and fulfill the Navy's specific operational needs for carrier-based operations. It will be a multi-role fighter capable of air superiority, strike missions, and reconnaissance, ensuring compatibility with both STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) and CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configurations.

The program benefits significantly from synergies with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, sharing critical technologies such as avionics, radar, and weapons systems. This approach not only reduces development time but also optimizes costs by leveraging proven technologies.

The TEDBF's design has undergone refinements, drawing inspiration from the French Dassault Rafale in its delta-wing configuration. However, the TEDBF incorporates Diverterless Supersonic Inlets (DSI) for enhanced stealth and efficiency, distinguishing it from other contemporary naval fighters. The design is optimized for carrier operations with strengthened landing gear, folding wingtips for compact storage, and a higher thrust-to-weight ratio for short takeoffs and arrested landings.

The Indian Navy is actively collaborating with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on the TEDBF program. While formalities are being finalized, work is already underway on three prototypes of the Tejas Navy, funded by the Tejas program budget. These prototypes will serve as technology demonstrators and testbeds for critical technologies required for the TEDBF, including automatic landing and take-off features.

 

UK Throws Support Behind Rolls-Royce's Bid to Co-Develop 6th Gen AMCA Engine with India in Recent India-UK 2+2 Dialogue Indian Navy Plans Upgrades for MiG-29K Fleet to Extend Lifespan as Indigenous TEDBF Not Expected Before 2035

[sanket]

87 TEDBF sounds like a good number, and with plans for an additional 58 TEDBF, most of the tech will be common between TEDBF & AMCA. The only difference will be the stealth design and naval requirements for TEDBF.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It is preposterous that a country that seeks to operate 3 aircraft carriers does not have a naval deck-based fighter jet project approved. The navy has dropped the ball on this one.

 

[Sam]

Anyone here can tell me why MoD and CCS approval on such projects takes so much time even if everyone knows its important like what parameters they usually check. I am asking seriously not in joke or mockery.

 

[neil]

Anyone here can tell me why MoD and CCS approval on such projects takes so much time even if everyone knows its important like what parameters they usually check. I am asking seriously not in joke or mockery.

CCS approval means you have to immediately make budgetary provision and fork out the money - at least the initial tranche. This needs to be planned for, in advance.

 

[tasks discussion]

Indian Navy's planning always pleases the heart without giving excuses like we are getting lowest budget out of all armed branches.