Aircraft of the Future: Exploring the Canard Delta Wing TEDBF

Specifically designed for the Indian Navy, Explore the Best of the Canard Delta Wing TEDBF Fighter with a twin-engine configuration, tailored for deck-based operations. This robust, lethal, and advanced 4+ generation air dominance fighter aircraft is currently under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and is scheduled for manufacture by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian aerospace company. It is poised to become a pivotal asset in bolstering India's naval aviation capabilities.

The TEDBF, short for "Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter," is set to incorporate a range of notable features. These encompass advanced avionics, powerful radar systems, and a modern digital cockpit. With its twin engines, the aircraft will offer enhanced thrust, reliability, and redundancy to facilitate carrier takeoffs and landings. The fighter will also come equipped with advanced weapons systems, ensuring its versatility for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The fighter's mission profile includes air supremacy, air interdiction, anti-access/area denial (A2/AD), anti-ship warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW) missions. An integral part of the TEDBF's role is replacing the MiG-29K on the INS Vikramaditya and the INS Vikrant of the Indian Navy.

TEDBF Development Updates as of 2023

The naval program to develop a carrier-based fighter for the Indian Navy was initiated in 2003. The ADA was tasked with designing and developing a new naval fighter based on the existing Tejas template. The program was designed to be executed in two phases and received joint funding from the DRDO and the Indian Navy. The first naval prototype, a two-seater NP-1, completed its maiden flight on April 27, 2012, while a single-seater NP-2 was unveiled in 2015.

Although the tests proceeded as scheduled, the Indian Navy lacked confidence in the naval LCA program. This uncertainty stemmed from the realization that future requirements beyond 2030 necessitated more robust and technologically advanced fighters, with twin-engine configurations being the preferred choice to support future avionics system requirements and to withstand the demands of arrested landing and recovery operations over extended periods. Consequently, in December 2016, the Indian Navy withdrew from the program entirely.

Despite this, prototype testing continued, focusing on the concept of an advanced trainer for the naval fleet. By early 2020, the naval LCA had achieved significant milestones, including successful night-time arrested landings at the Goa SBTF and carrier takeoffs and landings on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant on 6 February 2023.

In mid-2020, the Government of India approved a project to meet the naval requirements. Research indicates that the first TEDBF aircraft model was unveiled at Aero India 2021. The aircraft is designed as a twin-engine, medium-weight-class fighter with foldable wings for more compact storage, catering to the needs of a dedicated deck-based fighter. A significant portion of the fighter's weaponry is planned to be domestically produced. If all goes as planned, the first flight is anticipated in 2026, and production is scheduled for 2031. The aircraft's design is expected to benefit from the experience acquired in the Naval LCA program.

The estimated cost for four prototypes, as indicated by the Project Director, is ₹14,000 crore. ADA is actively seeking joint development opportunities with the Indian private sector. The Indian Navy intends to begin induction in 2032, coinciding with the retirement of the Mikoyan MiG-29K. In the meantime, alongside this project, the Indian Navy has finalized its immediate fighter requirements for 2023 by acquiring French Dassault Rafale-M aircraft for operation from the newly commissioned INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. This procurement includes a total of 26 aircraft, including two trainer variants.

Additional Aspects of the Program

Plans also include the development of the Omni-Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA), an additional derivative for the Indian Air Force based on a variant of the TEDBF design. Anticipating a requirement for over 750 aircraft between 2030 and 2050, the Indian Air Force may proceed with the creation of ORCA in conjunction with the HAL AMCA if the necessary funding is secured. In 2023, the ADA is scheduled to submit the preliminary design review. The prototype will undergo 1,000 test flights. Currently, it is undergoing wind tunnel testing, while DRDO is conducting high-speed modelling to evaluate the aircraft’s supersonic capabilities.

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