Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF): News & Discussion

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/_devildog_rv_/status/1730 ... 29202?s=20 ---> Specifications for TEDBF prepared, to be submitted soon. 2032 expected induction time, with approximately 7 yrs development time.

[Rakesh]

Made in India Fighter Jets For Indian Navy by 2030: Naval Chief
https://bharatshakti.in/made-in-india-f ... val-chief/
02 Dec 2023

[R Charan]

Prototype of India’s Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program expected by 2028
https://defence.in/threads/prototype-of ... 2028.1138/
18 Dec 2023

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1737009 ... 35901?s=20 ---> More on our interview with Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS, Indian Navy. On TEDBF: It is a 4++ generation Short Take-Off, But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) fighter being developed by ADA as a replacement for IN’s MIG-29K. Broad timelines: First prototype flight in 2028; delivery in 2032.

https://x.com/ReviewVayu/status/1737010 ... 78985?s=20 ---> TEDBF program is progressing per envisaged timelines; all efforts are being made to achieve the milestones earlier than planned. Efforts being focused on maintaining commonality with ongoing IAF programs with modifications to cater for INs requirement/carrier compatibility.

[Rakesh]

Remember the number of 90 TEDBF to be acquired, was being thrown around on twitter? Well see what this article from July of this year is claiming. Now whether INS Vikrant can actually hold five squadrons is highly debatable. So will need to figure out how the article came to this conclusion, because there is no way she can embark 90 carrier borne fighter aircraft. Regardless, 90 aircraft works out to 18 aircraft in 5 squadrons. And that calculation is correct, because the original MRCBF contract was for 57 airframes (18 per squadrons + 3 reserves).

India’s fighter jet selection for INS Vikrant: An evolving scenario
https://www.financialexpress.com/busine ... o-3163110/
10 July 2023

As discussions continue, the question arises: will the acquisition be limited to just 26 fighter jets or extend beyond? The Indian Navy aims to meet the immediate requirements of INS Vikrant while preparing for the eventual deployment of the TEDBF. The aircraft carrier’s capacity to hold nearly five squadrons hints at the need for additional fighter jets. However, the timeline for the TEDBF’s first test flight in 2026 and production readiness by 2031 necessitates interim measures. The acquisition of foreign-made jets provides a stopgap solution, ensuring the carrier’s combat readiness. It also highlights the importance of expediting the development of the TEDBF to achieve self-reliance in naval aviation. India’s selection of fighter jets for INS Vikrant stands at a critical juncture. The decision, whether it involves 26 jets or more, will bridge the gap until the indigenous TEDBF is ready for production.

[Pratyush]

The 90 aircraft requirement could be for 3 seperate ships and not for a single ship.

[hgupta]

In any case, to justify the R&D expense of developing a new plane, purchase orders must be at least 100 planes. So IN needs to order at least 100 planes. And that makes sense because that means 26 planes per ship and if you want 3 ships you need 78 planes and you need 22 planes for training, reserve, and attrition, etc.

[JTull]

The 90 aircraft requirement could be for 3 seperate ships and not for a single ship.

I don't think Naval Squadrons have 18 fighters. Converting 5 sqns to 90 aircraft isn't right.

[hgupta]

IIRC, a naval squadron is 12 planes.

[Bala Vignesh]

Well we currently operate the 40 odd MiG29K's from the original 45 in 2 squadrons and 1 flight(INAS 303, INAS 300, A flight of INAS 551), if memory serves me right. So that would make it 18 per squadron. But only 15 from the squadron are may be embarked at any time, I guess.