ADA Fast-Tracking TEDBF Rollout with F-414 Engines by Late 2028, Potential Shift to GTRE's 110kN Engine in Future

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has unveiled its engine roadmap for the ambitious Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, a critical component of India's naval aviation modernization. To fast-track the rollout of the TEDBF and meet the Indian Navy's tight timelines, ADA has opted to equip the aircraft initially with General Electric’s F-414 engines. This pragmatic decision is aimed at ensuring the TEDBF meets its target of being operational by late 2028 or mid-2029.

F-414 Engine: A Proven Powerhouse

The F-414 engine, which delivers a maximum thrust of 98 kN, is a battle-tested, high-performance turbofan engine. It is already being integrated into other Indian fighter programs, including the Tejas MkII and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkI. The engine's proven reliability and robust thrust-to-weight ratio make it an excellent choice for carrier-based operations, which demand exceptional durability and thrust performance for short take-offs and arrested landings.

By leveraging the F-414’s established capabilities, ADA ensures that the TEDBF can meet the Indian Navy’s demanding requirements for its future fleet of twin-engine deck-based fighters. The use of this engine eliminates potential delays associated with the time-consuming development of an entirely new propulsion system, allowing the TEDBF to transition smoothly from design to production.

Development Timeline and Key Features

The TEDBF is set to replace the aging MiG-29K fleet currently in service with the Indian Navy. Designed for operations aboard the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, including the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, the TEDBF is expected to feature advanced avionics, next-generation stealth, and superior maneuverability to dominate maritime airspace.

Key anticipated specifications of the TEDBF include:

• Length: Approximately 17.6 meters
• Wingspan: 11.2 meters with folding wings for carrier compatibility
• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 26,000 kg
• Weapons Load: Up to 9 hardpoints, capable of carrying air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, alongside guided bombs.
• Top Speed: Expected to exceed Mach 1.6
• Range: Over 1,500 kilometers with in-flight refueling capability

The aircraft will incorporate features like an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and stealth enhancements, making it a formidable platform for both offensive and defensive missions.

Indigenous 110kN Engine: The Long-Term Vision

While the F-414 engine will power the initial production batches of the TEDBF, ADA is keeping an eye on future advancements in indigenous engine technology. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is developing a high-thrust 110 kN engine as part of the AMCA program. This engine, once completed, could eventually power subsequent TEDBF production batches or even retrofit the earlier aircraft.

The 110 kN engine promises enhanced thrust and greater fuel efficiency, potentially increasing the TEDBF’s payload capacity and range. However, its integration depends on successfully passing rigorous development and flight trials, followed by scaling up production to meet the demands of both the AMCA and TEDBF programs.

Strategic Significance

The decision to adopt the F-414 engine underscores ADA’s commitment to delivering the TEDBF on schedule without compromising performance. By incorporating the indigenous 110 kN engine in later stages, the program ensures alignment with India’s long-term goals of self-reliance in defense technology. This dual-phase strategy not only addresses immediate operational requirements but also supports the “Make in India” initiative by fostering domestic technological advancements.

As the TEDBF progresses toward its production phase, it represents a significant leap forward in India’s defense capabilities, marking the transition to a more indigenous and technologically advanced naval air fleet. The integration of the 110 kN engine, when realized, could elevate the TEDBF to world-class standards, solidifying its role as a backbone of India’s naval aviation for decades to come.