HAL TEDBF
{{short description|Indian carrier-based multirole combat aircraft}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter
| image = File:Indian Navy's HAL TEDBF.jpg
| image_caption = HAL TEDBF design for Aero India 2025
| aircraft_type = Carrier-based multirole combat aircraft
| national_origin = India
| design_group = Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
| designer =
| primary_user = Indian Navy (intended)
| more_users =
| number_built =
| introduction = 2035 (expected)
| first_flight = 2028 (expected)
| developed_from = HAL Tejas
| caption =
| type =
| manufacturer = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
| retired =
| status = Under development
| produced =
| variants = HAL ORCA (proposed Air Force variant)
}}
The HAL Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) is a canard delta wing, twin-engine, carrier-based, multirole combat aircraft currently under development for the Indian Navy. The TEDBF is being designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
As a maritime multirole fighter, the aircraft would be capable of missions like combat air patrol (CAP), air supremacy, interception, ground attack, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), reconnaissance, electronic warfare (EW) and buddy-buddy refuelling. The TEDBF is expected to replace the Mikoyan MiG-29K of the Indian Naval Air Arm and the future batch of Rafale's{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Shivam |date=2025-04-09 |title=India approves purchase of 26 French Rafale jets for navy, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-clears-deal-buy-26-rafale-marine-fighter-aircraft-france-says-ani-2025-04-09/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Reuters}} to operate from the Navy's STOBAR aircraft carriers. For ease of storage and operations from such platforms, the aircraft design will incorporate features including folding wings and arresting hook.{{Cite web|last=Sutton|first=H. I.|date=2021-03-17|title=India's New Aircraft Carrier, Vikrant, May Get 5th-Generation Fighter|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/indias-new-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-may-get-5th-generation-fighter/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=Naval News|language=en-US|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804004800/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/indias-new-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-may-get-5th-generation-fighter/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=MiG-29K Aircraft Replacement, Indian TEDBF Breaks Cover at Aero India 2021 |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28882/MiG_29_K_Aircraft_Replacement__Indian_TEDBF_Breaks_Cover_at_Aero_India_2021#.YB6y32nhUwB |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202211826/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28882/MiG_29_K_Aircraft_Replacement__Indian_TEDBF_Breaks_Cover_at_Aero_India_2021#.YB6y32nhUwB |archive-date=2 February 2021 |access-date=2021-02-06 |website=www.defenseworld.net}}{{Cite web |date=9 March 2021 |title=DRDO’s Light Tank Will Be Power Pack As “The Highest Altitude Operable Tank In The Globe”: G. Satheesh Reddy, Chairman DRDO |url=https://www.businessworld.in/article/drdo%E2%80%99s-light-tank-will-be-power-pack-as-%E2%80%9Cthe-highest-altitude-operable-tank-in-the-globe%E2%80%9D-g-satheesh-reddy-chairman-drdo-383371 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=BW Businessworld |language=en}}
The programme was officially initiated in 2019-20, after the Indian Navy's dissatisfaction in operating a single-engine carrier-based fighter based on the HAL Tejas, and its eventual withdrawal from the naval LCA programme in 2016.
As of 2025, the preliminary design phase is to end soon and would be followed by first flight in 2028 and induction by 2035.
Development
= Background =
== Naval LCA programme ==
{{Main|HAL Tejas}}
File:LCA Navy Prototype NP-1.jpg
The naval LCA programme to develop a carrier-based fighter for the Indian Navy was launched in 2003.{{cite web|title=ADA LCA Navy Programme|url=https://www.ada.gov.in/ada/navy-mark1-mark2.html|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142428/https://www.ada.gov.in/ada/navy-mark1-mark2.html|url-status=live}} The ADA was entrusted with the task of designing and developing a new naval fighter based on the existing Tejas template. The programme was envisaged to be completed in two phases - in the first phase, two prototypes were to be built, based on the Tejas Mk. 1 design. In the second phase, two more prototypes were to be built based on the Tejas Mk. 2 design. The programme was jointly funded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy, with the latter funding 40% and 60% of the developmental cost of naval LCA Mk. 1 and Mk. 2, respectively.{{Cite news |last= |date=2017-12-01 |title=India's first indigenous aircraft carrier to join Navy by 2022: Sunil Lanba |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-s-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-join-navy-by-2022-sunil-lanba-117120100940_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609174337/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-s-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-join-navy-by-2022-sunil-lanba-117120100940_1.html |archive-date=9 June 2021}} In 2009, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the development of Mk. 2 variant of the naval LCA.Krishnan M., Anantha. [http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_indian-navy-fastens-its-seatbelt-for-light-combat-aircraft-tejas_1400112 "Indian Navy fastens its seatbelt for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas."] Daily News and Analysis, 23 June 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2021. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926175444/http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_indian-navy-fastens-its-seatbelt-for-light-combat-aircraft-tejas_1400112 |date=26 September 2012}} The first naval prototype, a two-seater NP-1, was rolled out in 2010, and first flew on 27 April 2012.Kumar, Chethan. [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/244815/lca-naval-variants-first-flight.html "LCA naval variant's first flight on Friday."] Deccan Herald, 25 April 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2012. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202190045/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/244815/lca-naval-variants-first-flight.html |date=2 February 2014}} By 2015, another naval LCA prototype, a single seater NP-2, had joined the programme, and carried out first ski jump assisted take off from a shore-based test facility (SBTF) in Goa.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2015 |title=Maiden flight by 2nd prototype of LCA Tejas' naval variant |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maiden-flight-by-2nd-prototype-of-lca-tejas-naval-variant/articleshow/46156784.cms |url-status=live |access-date=2021-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609182000/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maiden-flight-by-2nd-prototype-of-lca-tejas-naval-variant/articleshow/46156784.cms |archive-date=9 June 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2014-12-23|title=Naval LCA makes first flight from ski-jump|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-lca-makes-first-flight-from-skijump/article6717318.ece|access-date=2021-06-09|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609181958/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-lca-makes-first-flight-from-skijump/article6717318.ece|url-status=live}}
== MRCBF ==
File:Super Hornet taking off from a ski jump ramp.jpg
In December 2016, the Indian Navy opted out of the LCA programme completely, with the cited reason being that the naval variant was 'overweight', and issued a fresh RFI for the immediate procurement of 57 Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters (MRCBF).{{Cite news |date=26 January 2017 |title=India seeks new naval fighter to replace rejected Tejas LCA |url=http://www.janes.com/article/67252/india-seeks-new-naval-fighter-to-replace-rejected-tejas-lca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131630/http://www.janes.com/article/67252/india-seeks-new-naval-fighter-to-replace-rejected-tejas-lca |archive-date=24 February 2017 |access-date=23 February 2017 |work=IHS Jane's 360}}{{cite news |date=2 December 2016 |title=Navy rejects Tejas, says 'overweight' fighter does not meet its requirements |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-rejects-Tejas-says-overweight-fighter-does-not-meet-its-requirements/articleshow/55756350.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206075145/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-rejects-Tejas-says-overweight-fighter-does-not-meet-its-requirements/articleshow/55756350.cms |archive-date=6 December 2016 |access-date=27 January 2017 |work=indiatimes.com}}{{cite web |title=Indian Navy rejects naval version of Tejas LCA, seeks alternative – IHS Jane's 360 |url=http://www.janes.com/article/65993/indian-navy-rejects-naval-version-of-tejas-lca-seeks-alternative |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075020/http://www.janes.com/article/65993/indian-navy-rejects-naval-version-of-tejas-lca-seeks-alternative |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=27 January 2017 |work=janes.com}}
The competition was between Rafale and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Both the jets participated in the trials from the ski-jumps at the Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF) at {{INS|Hansa}} in January and June 2022 respectively.{{cite web |last=Tomkins |first=Richard |date=16 February 2017 |title=Dassault to offer Rafale fighter to Indian navy |url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/02/16/Dassault-to-offer-Rafale-fighter-to-Indian-navy/8741487258158/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217074459/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/02/16/Dassault-to-offer-Rafale-fighter-to-Indian-navy/8741487258158/ |archive-date=17 February 2017 |access-date=7 May 2023 |work=United Press International}}{{Cite web |last=P |first=Rajat |date=6 January 2022 |title=Demonstration of Rafale fighter for Navy begins at Goa, F/A-18 next in March |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/demonstration-of-rafale-fighter-begins-for-navy-at-goa-f/a-18-next-in-march/articleshow/88740199.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106190746/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/demonstration-of-rafale-fighter-begins-for-navy-at-goa-f/a-18-next-in-march/articleshow/88740199.cms |archive-date=6 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-06 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shishir |date=2022-01-01 |title=Navy to test Rafale-M jet for INS Vikrant |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-set-to-conduct-trials-of-rafale-fighter-s-naval-version-101640980226180.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106080902/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-set-to-conduct-trials-of-rafale-fighter-s-naval-version-101640980226180.html |archive-date=6 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}
By August 2022, the TEDBF development was underway and MRCBF was reported to be an "interim measure" until the TEDBF was ready for induction. The tender winner would form the Carrier Air Group of INS Vikrant.{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2022-08-25 |title=Rafale or Super Hornets are 'interim arrangement' only, says Navy on mega fighter deal |url=https://theprint.in/defence/rafale-or-super-hornets-are-interim-arrangement-only-says-navy-on-mega-fighter-deal/1099609/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022132628/https://theprint.in/defence/rafale-or-super-hornets-are-interim-arrangement-only-says-navy-on-mega-fighter-deal/1099609/ |archive-date=22 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} Further, MRCBF orders were reduced from from 57 aircraft to 26, including trainer variants.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-11-11 |title=Twin engine carrier-based fighter for Navy could be inducted by 2031-32 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/twin-engine-carrier-based-fighter-for-navy-could-be-inducted-by-2031-32/article66124792.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114100126/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/twin-engine-carrier-based-fighter-for-navy-could-be-inducted-by-2031-32/article66124792.ece |archive-date=14 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} By December 2022, the Indian Navy headquarters submitted a report to the ministry of defence where, reportedly, Rafale became the frontrunner.{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2022-12-07 |title=France's Rafale jets are frontrunner in race for Indian Navy contract |url=https://theprint.in/defence/frances-rafale-jets-are-frontrunner-in-race-for-indian-navy-contract/1252690/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}
In 2023, the Ministry of Defence approved the procurement of the Rafale-M for the Navy.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=30 January 2025 |title=India to seal Rafale-M, Scorpene deals with France soon |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-to-seal-rafale-m-scorpene-deals-with-france-soon/articleshow/117745031.cms?from=mdr |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=DAC approves proposals for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France to boost Indian Navy’s operational capabilities |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1939178 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Press Information Bureau}} As of April 2025, the deal for 26 Rafale-M has been signed during the visit of the French Defense Minister to India.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2025-04-28 |title=India, France conclude inter-governmental agreement for 26 Rafale-M jets for Navy |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-france-conclude-inter-governmental-agreement-for-26-rafale-m-jets-for-navy/article69500725.ece |access-date=2025-05-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
== Naval LCA resurrection ==
The stalled LCA-N programme was revived once again in 2018, under the oversight of the then Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman.{{Cite news |last1=Som |first1=Vishnu |date=2 August 2018 |title=Back From Dead: Navy's Tejas Fighter Preps For Tests on Aircraft Carrier |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/how-navys-forgotten-tejas-jet-is-readying-for-tests-on-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-1894097 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044257/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/how-navys-forgotten-tejas-jet-is-readying-for-tests-on-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikramaditya-1894097 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |work=NDTV}} Simultaneously with MRCBF acquisition, the flight tests were resumed with NP-1 and NP-2 for attaining technological maturity of the carrier based fighter.{{Cite news |date=2 August 2018 |title=Naval version of Tejas undergoes successful tests |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/lca-tejas-makes-maiden-engagement-with-indigenous-arrester-hook/articleshow/65247454.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306051258/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/lca-tejas-makes-maiden-engagement-with-indigenous-arrester-hook/articleshow/65247454.cms |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |work=The Economic Times}} By early 2020, the naval LCA had successfully carried out night-time arrested landing at the Goa SBTF, and carrier landing and take off on the aircraft carrier {{ship|INS|Vikramaditya}}.{{Cite web |date=13 November 2019 |title=LCA Navy makes successful night time arrested landing in Goa |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lca-tejas-naval-variant-makes-successful-night-time-arrested-landing-at-sbtf-goa20191113172502/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507144556/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lca-tejas-naval-variant-makes-successful-night-time-arrested-landing-at-sbtf-goa20191113172502/ |archive-date=7 May 2021 |access-date=2021-06-09 |website=ANI News |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2020-01-11 |title=Naval variant of LCA Tejas successfully lands on carrier |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-variant-of-lca-tejas-successfully-lands-on-carrier/article30541842.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624192656/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-variant-of-lca-tejas-successfully-lands-on-carrier/article30541842.ece |archive-date=24 June 2020 |access-date=2021-06-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |date=2020-01-12 |title=With ski jump, naval light combat aircraft takes off from INS Vikramaditya for 1st time |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/naval-light-combat-aircraft-takes-off-from-ins-vikramaditya-for-first-time/story-8mfMD9bvwPBj6KqrB20UnI.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112140928/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/naval-light-combat-aircraft-takes-off-from-ins-vikramaditya-for-first-time/story-8mfMD9bvwPBj6KqrB20UnI.html |archive-date=12 January 2020 |access-date=2021-06-09 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}
= Design and development =
The existence of a twin-engine fighter concept on offer for the Indian Navy by the DRDO for development was first announced by the then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh in early December 2019 during an annual press conference on the eve of Navy Day. As of then, the Qualitative Requirements (QR) were being prepared and the aircraft would be ready by 2026. He also said Naval LCA would function as a technology demonstrator and its carrier compatibility test results would be used for the development of the new aircraft.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2019-12-03 |title=Will take DRDO’s new deck-based fighter aircraft when it’s ready: Navy Chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/will-take-drdos-new-deck-based-fighter-aircraft-when-its-ready-navy-chief/article30149489.ece |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |last=defenceupdate |date=2020-04-26 |title=TEDBF v/s. N-AMCA:- FUTURE OF INDIAN NAVY |url=https://defenceupdate.in/tedbf-v-s-n-amca-future-of-indian-navy/#:~:text=The%20DRDO%20offered%20to%20develop,said%20on%2003%20December%202019. |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Indian Defence News |language=en-US}} As of then, N-LCA completed 50 autonomous ski-jump take offs and 28 arrested landings from the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-02 |title=Light Combat Aircraft for Indian Navy: DRDO updates naval aircraft’s progress |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-light-combat-aircraft-for-indian-navy-drdo-updates-naval-aircrafts-progess-1782008/ |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}} TEDBF was slated for induction by 2032.
The development of Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) was first reported by DRDO in April 2020. As per reported TEDBF would borrow many of the technologies from MWF programme like Next Generation Wide Area Display (WAD) and side-stick controls, high powered Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) and the sensor suite.
File:HALTEDBFAeroindia2021.png
A scaled down model of TEDBF was displayed for the first time in Aero India 2021. The TEDBF is being designed as per the requirements laid down by the Navy for the MRCBF acquisition programme.{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=4 February 2021 |title=Aero India 2021: Indian TEDBF naval fighter showcased by HAL |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2021-indian-tedbf-naval-fighter-showcased-by-hal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806144616/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/aero-india-2021-indian-tedbf-naval-fighter-showcased-by-hal |archive-date=6 August 2021 |access-date=2021-02-04 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}
According to Project Director TV Vinod Kumar, Project Director of LCA (Navy), the preliminary design phase of TEDBF is underway as of October 2022. It was estimated that after being cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), development of four prototypes will cost {{INRConvert|14000|c|lk=on|year=2022}}. The aircraft will enter service in another eight years from CCS approval. Another variant of TEDBF for CATOBAR operations could also be developed in future if and when {{INS|Vishal}} enters service.{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2022-10-21 |title='Development of Indigenous Deck Based Fighters to Replace Navy's MiG-29 Fleet on Track': ADA Official |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/development-of-indigenous-deck-based-fighters-to-replace-navys-mig-29-fleet-on-track-ada-official-6212815.html |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022132156/https://www.news18.com/news/india/development-of-indigenous-deck-based-fighters-to-replace-navys-mig-29-fleet-on-track-ada-official-6212815.html |url-status=live }}
Other ADA officials including P Thangavel, Project Director of LCA Mk1, reported in November that ADA will submit Preliminary Design Review by March 2023. Further, following CCS clearance expected in mid-2023, followed by roll out of first prototype in 1.5 to 2 years, first flight by 2026, flight trials completion by 2030-31 and induction by 2031-32. The prototype will take 1,000 flights during test phase. DRDO, as of then, was conducting high speed modelling in wind tunnels to test the supersonic characteristics using internal funds.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-11-11 |title=Twin engine carrier-based fighter for Navy could be inducted by 2031-32 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/twin-engine-carrier-based-fighter-for-navy-could-be-inducted-by-2031-32/article66124792.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114100126/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/twin-engine-carrier-based-fighter-for-navy-could-be-inducted-by-2031-32/article66124792.ece |archive-date=14 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{cite news |last1=Kadidal |first1=Akhil |date=3 November 2022 |title=Design of India's naval fighter approaching preliminary completion |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/design-of-indias-naval-fighter-approaching-preliminary-completion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114090024/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/design-of-indias-naval-fighter-approaching-preliminary-completion |archive-date=14 November 2022 |access-date=14 November 2022 |publisher=Janes}}
As of December 2024, the programme has received clearances from all relevant ministries and is being studied by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). The Navy had initially proposed for 145 TEDBFs based on the requirements of a three carrier force. However, defence planners have asked the Navy to reduce the count to 87 as per the requirements based on a two carrier force as of now. Meanwhile, the Navy and ADA plans to complete the first flight by 2028 while working on three prototypes through the development funds being sought from the Tejas Navy programme. The Navy has proposed 14 upgrades over existing features of Tejas Navy including automatic landing and take-off. Four of these upgrades has already been tested on Tejas. By the time initial quantity of purchase and design is being finalised, Navy-ADA have teamed up to prove these required technologies in order to reduce the developmental cycle time for the TEDBF.{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2024-12-05 |title=As India & France get ready to sign 7-bn Euro deal for Rafale Marine, 87 TEDBFs emerge in shadow |url=https://theprint.in/defence/as-india-france-get-ready-to-sign-7-bn-euro-deal-for-rafale-marine-87-tedbfs-emerge-in-shadow/2388615/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205172012/https://theprint.in/defence/as-india-france-get-ready-to-sign-7-bn-euro-deal-for-rafale-marine-87-tedbfs-emerge-in-shadow/2388615/ |archive-date=2024-12-05 |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}
A model of the aircraft with a revised design was displayed at Aero India 2025. It was reported that the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of the project was to be completed by June 2025. According to Amitabh Saraf, Project Director of TEDBF, the PDR phase would be followed by Critical Design and Wind Tunnel Testing phase. It was also reported that the aircraft would be capable of refuelling four to five other aircraft mid-flight. As of now, the first flight is expected in 2028 followed by deployment in 2035.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-18 |title=Amid China concerns, India ramps up its 5th gen fighter jet programs |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-air-force-navy-army-fighter-jets-tedbf-amca-defence-ministry-2681848-2025-02-18 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=India Today |language=en}}
=ORCA program=
A proposed air force variant of the TEDBF design, called the Omni-Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA) weighing around 23 tonnes is also under study.{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Amartya |date=16 May 2023 |title=Indigenous combat jets and Kaveri turbofan engine: All About IAF's new aerospace plan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indigenous-combat-jets-and-kaveri-turbofan-engine-all-about-iafs-new-aerospace-plan-2380107-2023-05-16 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=India Today |language=en}} The Indian Air Force is expected to need more than 750 aircraft between 2030 and 2050. ORCA, if funded, would be developed in parallel to the HAL AMCA.{{Cite news|last=Som|first=Vishnu|date=2020-01-05|title=NDTV Exclusive: First Look At Futuristic Variant Of India's Tejas Fighter|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/if-developed-this-futuristic-variant-of-tejas-could-match-iafs-rafale-jets-2159016|location=New Delhi|newspaper=NDTV|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111073434/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/if-developed-this-futuristic-variant-of-tejas-could-match-iafs-rafale-jets-2159016|url-status=live}}
Specifications
{{Aircraft specs
| ref = Jane's, DRDO,{{Cite web |date=2020-04-29 |title=TEDBF v/s. N-AMCA: Future of Indian Navy |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/drdo-news-documents/DRDO_News_29_April_2020.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702183945/https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/drdo-news-documents/DRDO_News_29_April_2020.pdf |archive-date=2024-07-02 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=drdo.gov.in}} The Week,{{Cite web|title=Atma Nirbhar defence: Indigenous projects to look out for at Aero India 2021|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/03/atma-nirbhar-defence-indigenous-projects-to-look-out-for-at-aero-india-2021.html|access-date=2021-02-04|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302030908/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/03/atma-nirbhar-defence-indigenous-projects-to-look-out-for-at-aero-india-2021.html|url-status=live}} India Today
| prime units? = met
| crew = 1
| capacity = {{Convert|9000|kg|abbr=on}} of weapons payload
| length m = 16.3
| length note =
| span m = 11.2
| span note = (unfolded), {{Convert|7.6|m|abbr=on}} (folded)
| width m =
| width ft =
| width in =
| width note = (folded wing)
| height m =
| height note =
| wing area sqm =
| wing area note =
| aspect ratio =
| airfoil =
| empty weight kg = 14000
| empty weight note =
| gross weight kg =
| gross weight note =
| max takeoff weight kg = 26000
| max takeoff weight note = (expected)
| fuel capacity = {{Convert|7000|kg|abbr=on}}
| eng1 number = 2
| eng1 name = General Electric F414
| eng1 type = afterburning turbofan
| eng1 kn = 58.5
| eng1 note =
| power original =
| thrust original =
| eng1 lbf-ab = 22000
| max speed kmh =
| max speed mph =
| max speed kts =
| max speed note =
| max speed mach = 1.6
| cruise speed kmh =
| cruise speed mph =
| cruise speed kts =
| cruise speed note =
| stall speed kmh =
| stall speed mph =
| stall speed kts =
| stall speed note =
| never exceed speed kmh =
| never exceed speed mph =
| never exceed speed kts =
| never exceed speed note =
| minimum control speed kmh =
| minimum control speed mph =
| minimum control speed kts =
| minimum control speed note =
| range km = 2000
| range miles =
| range nmi =
| range note = (expected; at least)
| combat range km = 800-900
| combat range miles =
| combat range nmi =
| combat range note =
| ferry range km =
| ferry range miles =
| ferry range nmi =
| ferry range note =
| endurance =
| ceiling m =
| ceiling ft = 60000
| ceiling note =
| g limits = +8/−3
| roll rate =
| glide ratio =
| climb rate ms =
| climb rate ftmin =
| climb rate note =
| time to altitude =
| sink rate ms =
| sink rate ftmin =
| sink rate note =
| lift to drag =
| wing loading kg/m2 =
| wing loading lb/sqft =
| wing loading note =
| fuel consumption kg/km =
| fuel consumption lb/mi =
| power/mass =
| thrust/weight =
| more performance =
| rockets =
| hardpoint rockets =
| hardpoints = 12 (2 × wing tip, 8 × under-wing, and 2 × under-fuselage), with a capacity of 9,000 kg
| hardpoint missiles =
- Air-to-air missile:
- ASRAAM (planned)
- Astra series (planned)
- Anti-ship missile:
- BrahMos-NG (planned)
- NASM-MR (planned)
- Harpoon (planned)
- Anti-radiation missile:
- Rudram-1 (planned)
| hardpoint other =
| avionics = * LRDE Uttam AESA Radar (planned)
- Infrared search and track (IRST) system (planned)
}}
See also
{{Portal|India|Aviation}}
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References
{{reflist}}
{{HAL aircraft}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
Category:Indian military aircraft procurement programs
Category:Proposed aircraft of India
Category:Carrier-based aircraft
Category:Fourth-generation jet fighters
Category:Proposed military aircraft