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News18
28-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
What Is Kaveri Engine And Why Is It Trending? All About The Project That Can Bolster India's Defence Tech
Last Updated: The Kaveri engine is now being repurposed to power India's indigenous long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), like the Ghatak stealth drone. Fund Kaveri Engine – has been one of the top trends on social media over the past two days, coming days after India responded to Pahalgam terror attack by targeting terror sites in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. It also comes close on the heels of India's defence ministry having approved the 'execution model" for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jets to bolster its air capability. With 'Fund Kaveri Engine', Indians are taking to social media urging the government to put its money on developing defence technology in India to reduce dependency on foreign fighter jet engines. Indians on social media have started a #FundKaveriEngine campaign, with some even asking the government to take more tax but renew Kaveri engine. Here are some posts on X: Stop freebies schemes and fund Kaveri Engine and make India Self-reliance 🇮🇳 #AtmanirbharBharat #MakeinIndia #FundKaveriEngine — Sumit Jaiswal 🇮🇳 (@sumitjaiswal02) May 26, 2025 #FundKaveriEngine 🇮🇳 — Ankit Kumar Avasthi (@kaankit) May 26, 2025 #FundKaveriEngine – A Call for Self-RelianceThe Kaveri Engine project was India's dream to build an indigenous fighter jet engine ,but it's been stalled for years. Even today, we rely on countries like the U.S. and France for fighter jet engines. That's a risk to our… — Shilpa Sahu (@shilpasahu432) May 26, 2025 What is Kaveri Engine? The Kaveri engine is an indigenously developed fighter jet engine project by India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is used to power Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and reduce dependency on foreign jet engines. It is a low bypass, twin spool turbofan engine with 80 kilonewtons (kN) thrust. The Kaveri project kicked off in India in the 1980s to power India's homegrown fighter aircraft Tejas. The engine features a flat-rated design to minimise thrust loss under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, and incorporates a twin-lane Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system with a manual override for enhanced reliability. Why Was It Delayed? The engine had to be delinked from Tejas in 2008 over technical challenges including its inability to achieve required thrust-to-weight ratio, shortcomings in high-temperature metallurgy and issues in afterburner performance and reliability. With Kaveri engine not meeting the requirements for the Tejas Mk1, the fighter aircraft had to powered by American-made GE F404 engine. Apart from the technical challenges, India also lacked testing facilities for such engines. India has to rely on Russia for testing Kaveri engine, leading to scheduling delays and limited flexibility. In its initial phase, India tried to develop Kaveri engine indigenously, without foreign help. This delayed international collaborations, like one with France's Snecma/Safran, that came in too late. The Kaveri engine project also faced delays in decision-making, lack of industry coordination, budget limitations and inefficient project management. Current Status Of Kaveri Engine According to reports, the Kaveri engine is undergoing flight tests in Russia, with approximately 25 hours of testing remaining. These trials are crucial for evaluating the engine's performance in real-world conditions. The engine is now being repurposed to power India's indigenous long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), like the Ghatak stealth drone. The renewed interest in Kaveri engine on social media comes after India used UAVs to successfully destroy terror camps in Pakistan. Godrej Aerospace has delivered the first two modules of the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), with six more expected by August 2025. Additionally, Azad Engineering has also been contracted to produce advanced turbo gas generators, supporting various defence applications. Kaveri 2.0 is also in the pipeline, aiming to replace the GE F404 engines in the Tejas Mk1A during its mid-life upgrade post-2035. The GTRE has reportedly sought funds for this 90 kN thrust variant. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy has also collaborated with GTRE to adapt the Kaveri jet engine for maritime applications through the development of the Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT) to power small warships. The engine has undergone successful trials at the Indian Navy's Marine Gas Turbine test bed facility in Visakhapatnam, showcasing its potential for naval applications. top videos View all Efforts are also underway to increase the KMGT's power output beyond 12 MW to meet the requirements of larger naval vessels. The Kaveri engine project is pivotal for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in defence technology. Success in this endeavor would not only reduce dependence on foreign engines but also bolster the country's capabilities in developing advanced aerospace platforms. First Published: May 28, 2025, 11:22 IST
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
#FundKaveriEngine trend gains traction as India sends its indigenous fighter jet engine for testing in Russia
A wave of public support and expert voices has swept social media, demanding urgent attention and funding for the Kaveri jet engine project. The hashtag #FundKaveriEngine surged to the top on X, with citizens, defence experts, and aviation enthusiasts urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate the development of India's indigenous jet engine. They see it as crucial for reducing dependence on foreign technology and strengthening national security. What is the Kaveri engine and why was it developed? The Kaveri engine is a turbojet propulsion system designed and built by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ). This twin-spool turbofan engine was originally intended to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, India's homegrown fighter jet. With a thrust capacity of 80 kilonewtons, the engine features a flat-rated design to reduce thrust loss at high speeds and temperatures. It also includes a sophisticated twin-lane Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system with manual override for reliability. Conceived in the 1980s, the Kaveri engine was meant to symbolize India's move towards self-reliance in military aviation. However, in 2008, the engine was removed from the Tejas programme after failing to meet the required performance standards. Why has the Kaveri engine been delayed? The project has faced a tough road marked by technical, geopolitical, and infrastructural challenges. Developing an advanced engine from scratch demanded expertise India was still building. Critical materials, such as single-crystal turbine blades, were blocked by Western sanctions following India's 1998 nuclear tests. This made it difficult to meet the highest engineering standards. Domestic testing facilities were lacking, forcing the programme to rely on Russia's Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) for high-altitude tests. Skilled aerospace engineers were in short supply, while a key partnership with French firm Snecma fell apart in 2013, costing India access to valuable core engine technology. Live Events These issues left the Kaveri engine heavier and less powerful than required. As a result, the Tejas jets switched to using American GE F404 and F414 engines. Repurposing for future defence platforms Though shelved for the Tejas, the Kaveri project is far from dead. DRDO is now testing the Kaveri engine in Russia, where about 25 hours of flight testing remain. Defence officials told ANI that these tests await available slots from Russian authorities. A derivative engine version is being developed for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), such as the upcoming Ghatak stealth drone. Private industry is also stepping in. Companies like Godrej Aerospace have started delivering engine modules, hinting that the project is gaining momentum after years of delays. The Kaveri engine's future lies in powering India's indigenous long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) programme, including the upcoming Ghatak stealth UCAV. Officials confirmed plans to install the Kaveri on one of the LCA aircraft to showcase its capabilities, signalling its potential comeback. The Indian Navy also plays a key role. It is working on a maritime variant of the Kaveri engine, called the Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT). Modified to drive ship propellers, the KMGT has undergone successful tests at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. It produces 12 megawatts of power, enough to boost smaller warships during combat manoeuvres, although larger vessels like the Shivalik-class frigates rely on more powerful American turbines. By 2016, India had spent nearly ₹3,000 crore on the Kaveri programme, according to former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. While the project has faced criticism for cost overruns and delays, defence analysts highlight that the technology developed is a major asset. It has advanced India's expertise in aerospace materials, turbine dynamics, and indigenous testing capabilities. As the engine moves towards powering UCAVs and naval platforms, the campaign to revive and fund Kaveri reflects a broader national desire for self-reliance in defence technology. Social media push for faster progress On 7 May, following Operation Sindoor, the #FundKaveriEngine hashtag went viral on social media. Defence experts and citizens alike expressed pride and impatience, calling for government support to complete the project. One popular tweet stated, 'The Kaveri engine is a symbol of India's fight for independence in military aviation. We must support it to reduce foreign dependence.' Another user emphasised, 'Let's fund our own engines and power our future jets and drones.' Here are some other tweets on the trend: — ShaluKanwar07 (@ShaluKanwar07) — shilpasahu432 (@shilpasahu432) — kothimbir_vadi (@kothimbir_vadi) This groundswell of support underscores a strategic push: moving beyond importing engines from the US, Russia, or France, and building indigenous capability instead. India continues discussions with international firms from France, the UK, and the US to develop more powerful engines for future fighter jets, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Meanwhile, the Kaveri engine remains central to ambitions for a self-reliant defence ecosystem. According to defence officials, 'There are plans to fit the Kaveri engine on one of the LCA aircraft and demonstrate its capabilities.' This shows a willingness to keep the indigenous engine programme alive despite past hurdles. Ultimately, the Kaveri engine project embodies India's long-term vision: to secure its defence technology base and build homegrown platforms for the Indian Air Force and Navy. While Kaveri's original role on the LCA has diminished, DRDO is concurrently working with foreign companies from France, the UK, and the US to develop a more powerful engine for future aircraft. These include the Mark 2 version of the LCA and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India's push for indigenous fighter jet programmes—such as the LCA Mark 1A, Mark 2, and AMCA—aims to reduce reliance on imported engines and platforms. The success of Kaveri and its derivatives will be key to achieving this goal.
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Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Kaveri engine is trending - here's why it matters for India's defence
A large number of citizens, defence experts and aviation enthusiasts took to social media on Monday (May 26) to demand faster progress on the Kaveri jet engine project. The hashtag #FundKaveriEngine became the number one trend on X with users encouraging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide more funding and make the indigenous engine, which has been delayed for so long, a priority. What is the Kaveri engine and why was it being developed for the Tejas? Kaveri is a jet propulsion engine, which the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is developing. Kaveri is a low bypass, twin spool turbofan engine with 80 kilonewtons (kN) thrust. Originally conceived in the 1980s, the Kaveri was intended to power India's homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The engine features a flat-rated design to minimise thrust loss under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, and incorporates a twin-lane Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system with a manual override for enhanced reliability. Despite its strategic intent, the engine was delinked from the Tejas programme in 2008 after it failed to meet performance thresholds. Why has the Kaveri engine been delayed for so many years? The Kaveri project's troubled journey can be traced to a combination of technical complexity, geopolitical setbacks, and infrastructure gaps. Key challenges include: Aerothermal and metallurgical hurdles that India had no prior experience in addressing. Lack of critical materials, such as single-crystal turbine blades, due to sanctions imposed after India's 1998 nuclear tests. Inadequate domestic facilities, forcing India to depend on Russia's CIAM for high-altitude testing. Shortage of skilled manpower for such advanced aerospace engineering efforts. The collapse of a proposed partnership with French firm Snecma by 2013, which was expected to transfer key engine core technologies. These bottlenecks left the engine underpowered and overweight, especially for the Tejas platform, which ultimately opted for the more powerful GE F404 and later GE F414 engines. How is the Kaveri engine being repurposed for UCAVs and future platforms? Although its application in Tejas fighter jets has been shelved, the Kaveri engine began to be reimagined for newer defence platforms. A derivative of the engine is currently under development for powering Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), including the upcoming Ghatak stealth UCAV. Notably, private sector participation has begun to play a role. Firms like Godrej Aerospace have delivered crucial engine modules, and recent in-flight testing suggests the project has picked up momentum after years of inertia. What role is the Indian Navy playing in the Kaveri engine programme? After being delinked from the Tejas programme, the Indian Navy emerged as a key stakeholder in the Kaveri project's next phase. The Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT), a maritime variant of the original jet engine, is being developed to power smaller warships. GTRE has modified the original engine by adding a shaft mechanism, which allows it to drive marine propellers. The KMGT has undergone extensive testing at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, delivering 12 Megawatts (16,000 horsepower) of propulsion power—sufficient to provide 'boost power' for smaller naval vessels during combat manoeuvres. In contrast, larger ships like the Shivalik-class frigates use General Electric's LM2500 gas turbines, which offer nearly double the boost at 22 MW. However, the engine has passed performance tests, meeting Navy specifications, but still remains in the development and validation stage before large-scale production and deployment can commence. How much has India spent on the Kaveri engine and what are the gains? The DRDO had spent nearly ₹3,000 crore on the Kaveri engine programme by 2016, the last estimate that was provided of the project by late Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in the Lok Sabha in August of that year. While critics highlight the cost overruns and delays, defence analysts argue that the technological know-how and R&D infrastructure developed through the project will pay long-term dividends, especially in aerospace materials, turbine dynamics, and indigenous testing capabilities. With its future in UCAVs and naval applications, and a growing chorus pushing for accelerated development, the Kaveri engine project appears to be entering a new phase of relevance.
India.com
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Kaveri Engine: Powering India's Sky-High Dreams
Kaveri Engine Every Republic Day, we cheer as our fighter jets zoom across the sky, showcasing India's strength. But here's a hard truth: the heart of those jets—the engine—is often made abroad. Imagine if we could power our planes with an engine built right here in India. That's what the Kaveri engine, developed by DRDO, promises. It's not just an engine; it's our shot at self-reliance, pride, and a stronger future. Why Kaveri Is a Game-Changer The Kaveri engine, crafted by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru under DRDO, began in the 1980s to power the Tejas fighter jet. Today, it's being adapted for unmanned drones like Ghatak, India's first stealth UCAV. This shift is critical because India still relies heavily on foreign engines from countries like the US or France. If those supplies are halted, our jets could be grounded. Kaveri aims to change that by making India self-reliant in defence aviation. Beyond security, developing the Kaveri engine means more jobs for Indian engineers, better use of public funds, and a chance to become a global exporter of engine technology. It keeps defence secrets secure and builds valuable skills that can later be used in civilian aircraft, naval vessels, and drones. How Much Power Does Kaveri Produce? The Kaveri engine is a turbofan engine—built to push aircraft at high speeds over long distances. It currently exists in two versions: • Dry Variant (No Afterburner): Generates 49–51 kN of thrust—suitable for unmanned drones like Ghatak. • With Afterburner (Kaveri 2.0): Expected to reach 73–75 kN, with recent upgrades adding an additional 29 kN through an afterburner system, bringing the total closer to 79 kN. To compare, the Tejas jet requires more than 85 kN of thrust. The American GE F404 engine currently powering Tejas delivers about 84 kN. While Kaveri is already promising for drones, it still needs a boost to power fighter jets. Why Isn't Kaveri Ready Yet? Creating a jet engine is one of the most difficult engineering tasks. Here's why Kaveri is still a work in progress: 1. Technical Challenges: The engine struggles with high internal temperatures, especially in the turbine area. These heat levels can damage components, and managing them requires advanced materials like single-crystal turbine blades—technologies still being mastered in India. 2. Testing Limitations: India lacks dedicated high-altitude testing facilities. As a result, Kaveri has been tested abroad, such as in Russia, where high-altitude tests once achieved only 48.5 kN—well below the desired 81 kN. This slows progress and increases costs. 3. Long Development Timeline: Initiated in 1989, the project faced multiple hurdles. International sanctions after India's 1998 nuclear tests disrupted collaboration. In 2008, the engine was officially delinked from the Tejas project due to low thrust output. Attempts to collaborate internationally, like with France's Snecma, also fell through. 4. Power Deficit: While the dry version suits drones, the thrust isn't enough for fighters. In-flight testing, now ongoing on a modified Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, is helping refine the design and performance in real-world conditions. When Can We See Kaveri in Action? India is taking a phased approach: • For Drones (Ghatak UCAV): The dry variant is almost ready and is expected to power the Ghatak drone by 2026. Drones require less thrust and can benefit from Kaveri's current capabilities. • For Fighter Jets (Tejas/AMCA): The afterburning version of Kaveri is being upgraded to meet the thrust needs of fighter jets. With adequate funding and technological progress, it may be ready for integration into aircraft like Tejas or the upcoming AMCA by the late 2020s or early 2030s. Industry estimates suggest that with ₹25,000 crore in funding, a 105 kN thrust engine could be achievable by 2030. • For Other Platforms: Kaveri's technology is already powering a 12 MW marine gas turbine since 2008. By 2027–28, more applications for ships and other platforms may be realized. Recently, the Defence Minister announced increased funding to speed up development. Private players such as Larsen & Toubro are also getting involved, proposing a 110 kN engine based on the Kaveri framework, which could be ready by the early 2030s if the project receives consistent support. Why India Must Keep Pushing Kaveri Kaveri is more than a technological ambition—it's a national necessity. Here's why the effort must continue: • Strategic Independence: Foreign engines are not always guaranteed. A homegrown engine ensures India's defence readiness under any circumstances. • Economic Benefits: Building engines locally creates thousands of jobs, retains valuable capital within the country, and opens avenues for exports. • National Confidence: Imagine a Republic Day flypast in 2030, where Indian-made Tejas and Ghatak aircraft roar across the sky powered by Kaveri engines—built in India, by Indians. That would be a defining moment of pride. Public sentiment is increasingly in favour of greater investment in indigenous defence projects. Citizens, veterans, and engineers are calling for more action and attention from the government. With consistent effort, policy support, and industry participation, the Kaveri engine can become a global symbol of India's technological progress. The Sky Is Not the Limit Today, Kaveri produces 49–51 kN of thrust, which is nearly ready for drones. With continued work, upgrades could soon push that to 79 kN and beyond, bringing us closer to a 105 kN-class engine. With stronger funding, testing infrastructure, and private-sector collaboration, India can transform Kaveri from a promising project into a powerhouse of aviation. Let us dream, design, and deliver. Let us make Kaveri soar. Because when it flies, it carries the dreams of a billion Indians.
