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India is advancing its naval air power capabilities with the development of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). This aircraft is being created by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) working alongside the Indian Navy.
However, there has been discussion about whether the TEDBF represents a cutting-edge 5th-generation fighter or a slightly less advanced "5-Minus Class" platform designed specifically for aircraft carriers.
Recent information indicates that the decision to focus on TEDBF, rather than pursuing a naval version of the planned Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), was driven by significant technical challenges and financial considerations.
Initially, the Indian Navy considered adapting the AMCA, which is being developed as a 5th-generation stealth fighter for the Indian Air Force, for carrier operations.
This proposed Naval-AMCA (N-AMCA) aimed to utilize advanced features like internal weapons storage, stealth technology, and high-speed cruise capabilities. Using a common platform for both the Air Force and Navy held the promise of streamlining development and potentially lowering overall costs.
However, detailed studies by ADA and the Navy uncovered substantial difficulties that made the N-AMCA concept impractical for carrier deployment.
A major obstacle involved the design compromises necessary to make the AMCA suitable for sea-based operations. ADA's analysis suggested that a naval version would likely need structural strengthening for hard carrier landings and modifications that could reduce its stealth characteristics.
Simulations showed that this N-AMCA might often need to operate without its stealth features active, diminishing the core benefit of a 5th-generation design.
Requirements for carrier aircraft, such as reinforced landing gear and potentially larger wings for better low-speed handling, could increase the plane's visibility to radar.
Furthermore, the internal weapons bay design limited the aircraft's ability to carry the larger anti-ship missiles crucial for naval warfare.
Another significant, though less publicised, concern related to the durability of composite materials in the demanding maritime environment of the Indian Ocean, particularly the salt-laden air of the Arabian Sea.
Modern aircraft like the AMCA use composites extensively for their high strength and low weight. However, sources indicate worries that prolonged exposure to seawater could cause these materials to absorb moisture, leading to degradation processes like swelling and weakening, potentially compromising structural integrity over the aircraft's service life.
The unique conditions of the Arabian Sea, known for higher salinity than the Bay of Bengal, present a specific challenge. Unlike the shorter trials conducted with the LCA-Navy prototype (lasting hours or a couple of days), a primary fighter like the N-AMCA would be constantly exposed to this corrosive environment during long deployments.
ADA reportedly expressed caution regarding the long-term performance of domestically produced composite materials on Indian carriers, citing a lack of extensive operational data. This uncertainty, combined with the Navy's relative lack of experience operating indigenous carrier fighters, contributed significantly to the decision against the N-AMCA.
Confronted with these technical and environmental hurdles, the Navy and ADA chose to develop a new aircraft from scratch – the TEDBF, categorized as a "5-Minus Class" fighter.
While not possessing the full suite of 5th-generation stealth features, the TEDBF is specifically designed for the demands of carrier operations, applying lessons learned from the LCA-Navy program.
It will be equipped with two GE F414 engines, feature folding wings for easier handling on deck, and possess a strengthened structure and undercarriage suitable for India's STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
Designed for a maximum weight of 26 tonnes, the TEDBF will have 12 external points for carrying weapons and equipment, totaling a 7.5-tonne payload capacity, making it adaptable for air combat, attacking ships, and electronic warfare missions.
The "5-Minus" classification signifies that TEDBF incorporates advanced elements like semi-stealth features, modern avionics, and artificial intelligence support, borrowing technology developed for the AMCA project, but without pursuing the deep stealth characteristics of a true 5th-generation platform. This design approach sidesteps the core problems identified with the N-AMCA concept, aiming for effectiveness in the maritime role.
Critically, the TEDBF's development allows engineers to directly tackle the issue of material degradation from seawater. A specialised team is researching composite behaviour in marine conditions and developing solutions, such as protective coatings or alternative materials, to improve durability.
Practical financial realities also played a key role. The estimated development cost for the TEDBF program, including four prototypes, is around ₹14,000 crore. This figure is notably less than the projected costs for the AMCA program, estimated between ₹16,000 and ₹19,000 crore.
The Navy plans to acquire 145 TEDBF aircraft by 2040, an order size intended to help recover the research and development investment and ensure the program's commercial viability.
In contrast, the N-AMCA was anticipated to have significantly higher operating and maintenance costs—potentially 25-30% more than the Air Force's AMCA—due to the specific modifications required for carrier use, presenting a potential strain on the budget.
The TEDBF project is progressing, with its Critical Design Review (CDR) expected in mid-to-late 2025. The first prototypes are anticipated to be ready around 2028–29, leading to potential induction into the Navy by 2034. This schedule aligns with the Navy's requirement to replace its current fleet of MiG-29K carrier fighters, providing a modern, Indian-made aircraft for its carriers.
Ultimately, the decision favouring TEDBF over a naval AMCA reflects a pragmatic approach, balancing technological aspirations with practical constraints. While a full 5th-generation naval fighter might be a future objective, the TEDBF provides a capable, more affordable platform specifically tailored to India's operational needs and environment.
TEDBF development also significantly contributes to India's aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities, promoting self-reliance and technological growth. By directly addressing challenges like seawater degradation and carrier compatibility, the TEDBF program could inform the design of future indigenous naval aircraft.
However, this choice does prompt consideration of India's long-term naval aviation strategy. As major global navies deploy or develop 5th- and 6th-generation fighters, questions remain about whether the TEDBF's "5-Minus" capabilities will be sufficient in the strategic landscape of the 2040s and beyond.
Focusing on immediate requirements might necessitate considering interim solutions, potentially involving foreign aircraft like the Rafale-M or F/A-18 Super Hornet, before a true 5th-generation naval fighter is realised domestically.
