Kaveri Engine has been the talking point on social media (SM) since yesterday. Kaveri Engine was developed by Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, it was decertified after facing some setbacks. Since, it is now back in the news, we shall take a look at what it is and why netizens are calling for it to be funded.
Kaveri Engine – Bharat’s Atmanirbharta in military aviation technology
Kaveri Engine was given the green signal for inflight testing on 23 December 2024. It was a major step forward in self-reliance in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) aero-engine technology. The Kaveri engine, originally intended to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), encountered significant setbacks and was eventually decertified for fighter jet use. Despite being decertified for fighter jet use, the DRDO continued its efforts, repurposing the engine into a dry version suitable for UAVs. After undergoing extensive testing, including high-altitude trials in Russia, the engine is ready for real-world evaluation aboard a flying test bed (FTB).
This milestone marks a major step forward in reducing Bharat’s dependence on foreign engine technologies and strengthens its self-reliance in aerospace capabilities. However, key challenges persist, particularly in validating the engine’s endurance and efficiency during prolonged flight tests. Looking ahead, DRDO and GTRE are focused on further advancements through the development of an upgraded version—Kaveri 2.0.
The developement of Kaveri Engine began in 1980s to power LCA Tejas but DRDO shifted focus to developing a dry version of the Kaveri engine for UAV applications, which has now been cleared for inflight testing. The engine has undergone extensive ground trials in Bharat and high-altitude simulations in Russia, showing promising results in reliability, thrust output, and operational stability, meeting the performance requirements for flight testing.
In 2018, the Kaveri engine successfully passed an audit by Safran, confirming it had reached a maturity level suitable for limited-scale aircraft integration. The next crucial step is mounting the engine on a flying test bed (FTB) to evaluate its performance across different flight conditions. These tests will also examine how well the engine integrates with aircraft systems and its overall reliability in dynamic, real-world environments.
“The Kaveri Engine features a flat-rated design to minimise thrust loss in high-temperature and high-speed conditions. Its twin-lane Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system ensures precise control, with a manual backup for added reliability. This design enables the engine to maintain optimal performance in various operating conditions,” noted NDTV.
Although the recent clearance marks a major milestone, the Kaveri engine still faces key challenges. It must prove its endurance, efficiency, and adaptability during extended inflight testing. DRDO and GTRE remain committed to advancing the program, with plans for a more powerful Kaveri 2.0 that could rival current Indian Air Force engines.
The Kaveri engine project has experienced considerable delays and setbacks due to a range of challenges. Developing advanced technologies such as aerothermal dynamics, high-performance metallurgy, and sophisticated control systems from the ground up proved to be highly complex. Western sanctions restricted access to critical components like single-crystal turbine blades, while Bharat also faced shortages in skilled manpower and lacked key infrastructure, such as high-altitude test facilities—necessitating reliance on foreign centers like Russia’s CIAM. Unrealistic early expectations, including the aim to power the Tejas fighter without adequate validation, and the breakdown of international collaboration with Snecma, further hindered progress.
In other words, overdependence on foreign powers cost Bharat precious time. Continued development of the Kaveri engine is crucial for enhancing Bharat’s self-reliance in critical defense technologies. Hence, netizens took it upon themselves to remind the government that Atmanirbharta in defence sector is only possible if projects like Kaveri engine receive sufficient funds.
Make in India and Bharat’s self-reliance in the Defence sector
This is a timely reminder because Operation Sindoor demonstrated Bharat’s growing indigenous defence capabilities. Even PM Modi hailed the operation for boosting domestic manufacturing sentiments.
In his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of Operation Sindoor, Bharat’s military strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on 7 May. He emphasized that this decisive action not only showcased the bravery of Bharatiya soldiers but also the strength of indigenous weapons, equipment, and technology. PM Modi noted that the success of the operation was a result of the combined efforts of Bharatiya soldiers, engineers, and technicians, reflecting the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“This victory bears the imprint of every Indian’s effort,” PM Modi said, underlining how domestic innovation and production played a key role in the mission’s success. He remarked that the operation has instilled renewed confidence and global enthusiasm in the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, it has significantly boosted national morale and the momentum for self-reliance, especially in defense manufacturing. Speaking of defence manufacturing, another feather has been added to the cap of Bharat’s indigenous defence capabilities with the approval for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Programme Execution Model.
The Prime Minister also observed a fresh wave of enthusiasm across the country for the Vocal for Local movement, asserting that the campaign has energized public sentiment around supporting and trusting Bharat-made products and technologies. In keeping with this spirit, Kaveri engine should be given the monetary support that it deserves.
