The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), controlled by the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) will develop a Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy (IN) instead of persisting with the development of an Mk2 variant of the LCA-Navy (NLCA) design.
During the 21st Dr Srinivasan Memorial Lecture – 2021, organized by the ADA in Association with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), DRDO Chairman G. Satheesh Reddy gave some important details about the upcoming TEDBF aircraft for Navy.
The TEDBF is being developed to replace Russian-origin MiG-29Ks. The MiG 29Ks are to be retired in 2034.
According to the Chairman, the TEDBF is a medium weight fighter class. The maximum take of weight is going to be 26 tonnes and is of the STOBAR variant.
In the preliminary design, we can clearly see a canards integration with aircraft. These canards will help in generating more lift for the aircraft while launching from aircrafts carrier.
The TEDBF is set to have its first flight in 2026 and will be in service to the Navy from 2029-30.
