Kaveri engine trials underway in Russia, to power Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
The Kaveri engine was planned to be developed by the DRDO for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), but due to delays in the programme, the combat aircraft had to be powered by the American GE-404 engines.The GE-404 has been used to power the 32 LCA Mark 1s and the twin-seater-trainer versions. The 83 LCA Mark 1As are also set to be powered by the GE-404s, but the plan has been delayed due to issues in supplies by the American firm. Asked if the Kaveri engine could still be used for powering the LCA, the officials said there were plans to put the Kaveri on one of the LCA aircraft and showcase its capabilities.advertisementThe DRDO is also working towards working with a foreign firm for the development and manufacturing of a more powerful engine for the futuristic aircraft, including the Mark 2 versions of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India has been in talks with multiple firms, including those from France, the UK and the US. The decision in this regard is expected to be taken soon.The Indian indigenous programmes for fighter jets may see a cut down on imports and have indigenous platforms for the Indian Air Force. The Kaveri engine is an indigenously developed turbofan engine in India, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the DRDO. The move is a part of India's push for self-reliance in defence technology, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for aircraft engines.Must Watch
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The timeline and expenditure increase, hiring of elite law firms specialising in government connections including one with a former 'Deputy Counsel to the President, Special Counsel to the President, Deputy Staff Secretary' as the main lobbyist, along with the explicitly stated purpose of lobbying on "criminal matters" all point to a concerted campaign to manage the legal and reputational fallout from the DOJ indictment.
