Latest news with #GasTurbineResearchEstablishment
India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Amid US delays, India eyes partnership with France for Tejas Mark 2 fighter jets
With the United States delaying engine deliveries for India's advanced fighter aircraft programmes, New Delhi is actively exploring an alternative partnership with French aerospace company Safran. The move is aimed at powering the next-generation Tejas Mark 2 and the upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), with more powerful and locally developed familiar with the development have confirmed that Safran has submitted formal proposals to India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on developing advanced jet engines for both fighter the Tejas Mark 2 programme is tied to the American GE F414 engine, which offers 98 kN of thrust. GE and HAL have signed a technology transfer agreement under which 80% of the engine will be manufactured in India. However, delays in supply and rising costs have slowed progress, prompting India to consider alternatives. Safran has now emerged as a strong contender, offering a 110 kN thrust engine for the Tejas Mk-2. This engine is expected to enhance the aircraft's speed, payload capacity and Tejas Mk-2, being jointly developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL, is designed to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fleets. The aircraft will come equipped with modern radar, an infrared tracking system, and Indian-origin weapons such as the Astra missile and addition to the Mk-2 engine, Safran has also proposed a 120 kN high-thrust engine for the twin-engine configuration of the AMCA. This engine will be critical for the stealth fighter's performance and advanced capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that India is targeting the development of five AMCA prototypes by already collaborates with HAL on helicopter engine projects. If the new proposals move forward, the partnership could play a pivotal role not just in the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA programs, but also in shaping the future of indigenous jet engine manufacturing in India. The collaboration may also come with Transfer of Technology (ToT) provisions, which would further boost India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
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First Post
4 days ago
- First Post
Why Kaveri jet engine's trials in Russia are a big boost for India's defence
The trials of the indigenous Kaveri jet engine are reportedly underway in Russia. Developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is a low bypass, twin spool turbofan engine. Originally meant for the fighter aircraft Tejas, it has been repurposed to power the long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) read more India is carrying out trials of the indigenous Kaveri jet engine in Russia. Reports on Tuesday (May 27) said that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was conducting the trials of the engine that could be used to power the long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Initially planned for the fighter aircraft Tejas, the Kaveri engine will now power Made in India UCAVs. There has also been a renewed interest in the public about the homegrown engines in the wake of Operation Sindoor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. What's Kaveri engine? The Kaveri engine is a low-bypass, twin-spool turbofan engine. Developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the engine has 80 kilonewtons (kN) thrust. The Kaveri project kick-started in the 1980s to power the domestic fighter aircraft Tejas. The engine has a flat-rated design to minimise thrust drop due to high-speed and high-temperature conditions. 'Twin lane full authority digital engine control with an adequate manual backup is a salient design feature of the Kaveri engine,' as per the DRDO. From Tejas to Ghatak The Kaveri engine could not be used for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas due to various challenges, including the engine's inability to reach the required thrust-to-weight ratio. There were also problems in high-temperature metallurgy and afterburner performance and reliability. International sanctions on India after the 1998 nuclear tests also hit the project. After Kaveri failed to power Tejas Mk1, India had to resort to the American-made GE F404 engine for the fighter jet. India also lacked testing facilities for such engines and had to rely on Russia, which led to scheduling delays and restricted flexibility, as per News18. The project appeared to be abandoned by 2014. However, a collaboration with the French firm Safran in 2016 breathed life into the engines again. The Kaveri engine has 80 kilonewtons (kN) thrust. Image Courtesy: DRDO The Kaveri engine has been repurposed for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles, like the Ghatak stealth drone. As per a EurAsian Times report, the latest Kaveri engines feature advanced materials, aerodynamics, and cooling technologies for enhanced performance. It is likely to generate 48 kN of dry thrust, while DRDO plans to incorporate an afterburner to raise thrust to 73–75 kN if needed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Kaveri core engine – Kabini – has a high-pressure compressor, combustor and high pressure turbine for 'demonstrating hot end parts technology and study the aero-mechanical behaviour of high-pressure spool' of the engine, according to DRDO. It is classified as a fifth-generation engine. Why Kaveri engine's trials matter India 's premier defence research agency is conducting trials of the Kaveri engine in Russia, ANI reported, citing defence officials. The trials will showcase the performance of the engine in real flight conditions, including its reliability, endurance, and integration with aircraft systems, as per Mathrubhumi. About 25 hours of testing remained, with dependency on the slots provided by Russian authorities. On whether the Kaveri engine will power the LCA, the officials told the news agency that it could be used to power an LCA aircraft to see its capabilities. Recently, X users have been calling on the government to allocate more funds and resources for the Kaveri engine, with 'Fund Kaveri Engine' becoming the top trend on X Monday (May 26). This comes against the backdrop of India's tensions with Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last December, GTRE announced that the Kaveri engine had been cleared for in-flight testing. The development happened after rigorous testing of the engine, including high-altitude simulations in Russia. The Kaveri engine is a big boost to India's push for self-reliance in defence technology. It will reduce the country's reliance on foreign engine suppliers and support its aerospace ambitions. With inputs from agencies
News18
5 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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.
