India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is throwing its full support behind the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, which has been hailed as a savior for India’s homegrown fighter jet initiative. As the IAF continues to integrate the LCA Tejas into its fleet, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is now pushing for the Indian Navy to adopt the naval variant of the LCA to meet its training needs while simultaneously developing the more advanced Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).
A Decade of Indigenous Defense Efforts
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a single-engine, multi-role light fighter developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has come to symbolize India’s aspirations for self-reliance in defense. Despite early setbacks, the LCA program has emerged as a robust platform for both the Air Force and the Navy, proving India’s engineering capabilities and paving the way for future fighter development programs.
While the LCA has primarily been used by the IAF, the Indian Navy expressed interest in the naval version, the LCA-Navy, in 2018. However, this enthusiasm has cooled in recent years, with the Navy opting to focus on foreign fighter jets and the future development of the TEDBF. This hesitation, despite the LCA-Navy’s successful landing on the deck of India’s newly commissioned aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, on February 6th, 2023, reflects the Navy’s concern about the capabilities and future utility of the platform.
DRDO’s Push for Naval LCA Acquisition
At the 15th Air Chief Marshal LM Khatre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat made a strong case for the Indian Navy to place an initial order of 8–10 Naval LCA platforms. These aircraft, he argued, would serve primarily as training platforms, allowing naval aviators to gain critical deck-based flying experience while the more advanced TEDBF is developed.
“The LCA-Navy is well-suited for the training role. It offers a carrier-compatible platform that would allow naval pilots to transition smoothly to more advanced aircraft,” said Dr. Kamat. He pointed out that the Indian Navy’s Hawk trainers cannot operate from aircraft carrier decks, making the LCA-Navy an essential component for training pilots to handle the challenges of Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations.
However, the Navy remains cautious about committing to the LCA-Navy and prefers to wait for the TEDBF project to gain momentum before making a final decision on the procurement of the LCA-Navy.
Lessons from the Past: Engine and Platform Development
One of the significant challenges faced by India’s indigenous fighter programs has been the development of suitable engines. Dr. Kamat emphasized that the biggest mistake in the LCA program was attempting to design the engine (Kaveri) and the platform simultaneously. “That’s never done. You design a platform around the available engine, and engine development is a continuous process,” Kamat said, referring to the decision to develop the LCA and Kaveri engine concurrently.
The Kaveri engine, while promising, did not deliver the required thrust for the LCA-Tejas, leading to delays and the eventual reliance on foreign engines. Now, the DRDO is seeking to rectify this through partnerships with major international engine manufacturers, including Safran from France, Rolls-Royce from the UK, and General Electric (GE) from the United States. Discussions are underway to collaborate on the development of a new high-thrust engine, with the intellectual property (IP) retained by India. These collaborations are seen as crucial to the future success of the TEDBF and other advanced indigenous fighter programs.
Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF)
As the Indian Navy eyes the future, its focus has shifted toward the development of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), a cutting-edge platform designed specifically to meet the Navy’s needs for carrier-borne operations. The TEDBF is expected to play a central role in the Navy’s future, offering improved range, payload capacity, and survivability compared to the LCA-Navy.
The TEDBF is set to offer several advantages over single-engine designs, such as increased maneuverability, longer operational range (over 2000 kilometers), and the ability to carry a greater payload. The twin-engine design also enhances safety by offering redundancy in case of engine failure—a key consideration for carrier-based aircraft, which operate in high-stress environments.
According to the Navy, the TEDBF project began its preliminary design phase in September 2022, and this stage is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. If all goes as planned, the first TEDBF prototype will take to the skies by 2026, putting the project on track for deployment in the latter half of the decade.
Despite the progress, the Navy’s commitment to the TEDBF is contingent upon meeting certain Qualitative Requirements (QR). As former Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh remarked in 2019, “If it meets our time and QR requirements, we will take it.” This underscores the Navy’s cautious approach toward the TEDBF, as it seeks to ensure that the platform meets its operational needs without unnecessary delays.
LCA-Navy: Progress and Capabilities
While the TEDBF garners much of the attention, the LCA-Navy continues to make strides of its own. Developed jointly by the ADA and HAL, the LCA-Navy is a significant technological achievement, offering a carrier-capable platform designed specifically for Indian conditions. The first trainer prototype, NP1, took flight on April 27, 2012, followed by the fighter prototype NP2 on February 7, 2015. These aircraft have achieved key milestones, including ski-jump take-offs and arrested landings at the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) in Goa and on board the INS Vikramaditya.
In January 2020, the LCA Navy performed 18 arrested landings and ski-jump take-offs from INS Vikramaditya, including demonstrating hot refueling capabilities—an important feature for prolonged operations. A third prototype, NP5, has also demonstrated its ability to perform field and carrier operations, including on the INS Vikrant.
On August 18, 2023, the naval trainer prototype NP5 completed its maiden flight, marking yet another milestone for the program. The aircraft, which was airborne for 57 minutes, operated within normal parameters, reaffirming the platform’s reliability.
Advanced Features of the LCA-Navy
The LCA-Navy is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including a Fly-by-Wire flight control system, glass cockpit, and advanced mechanical systems. It is designed for both day and night operations, with capabilities that extend to carrier-based operations, making it an ideal training platform for naval aviators. The aircraft’s hands-free ski-jump take-off and landing flight control modes are particularly impressive, demonstrating a high level of technological sophistication.
While the LCA-Navy may not be the Navy’s first choice for frontline combat operations, it offers tremendous value as a training platform. Its carrier compatibility and ability to operate with Air-to-Air weapons make it a versatile option for naval pilots preparing to transition to more advanced platforms like the TEDBF.
India’s Naval Aviation
The Indian Navy’s future aviation capabilities will likely be built around the TEDBF, which promises to be a formidable twin-engine platform designed specifically for carrier-based operations. With its ability to carry heavier payloads, operate at extended ranges, and offer greater survivability, the TEDBF is expected to replace the Navy’s current MiG-29K fighters and provide a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities.
At the same time, the LCA-Navy, particularly in its training role, will play a crucial role in preparing naval aviators for carrier operations. The ongoing development of both platforms underscores India’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing and its determination to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. As the Indian defense industry continues to evolve, the success of programs like the LCA and TEDBF will be vital to ensuring India’s strategic autonomy and strengthening its position as a major player on the global stage.
