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First Post
29-05-2025
- 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
Mint
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Indian Army shares new video of ‘Operation Sindoor' strikes: ‘Ruthless precision, Raw power. Fierce pride'
The Indian Army on Sunday (May 18) released dramatic visuals from Operation Sindoor, the large-scale retaliatory campaign launched earlier this month in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. The video, posted by the Army's Western Command on the social media platform X, showcased high-impact precision strikes against Pakistani drones and missiles. The footage was accompanied by bold messaging from the Army: 'Enemy Missiles neutralised… #IndianArmy – impregnable wall of fire." Interception of enemy drones and nissiles The visuals highlight the interception and neutralisation of Pakistani drones and an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), reportedly using India's cutting-edge S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The Army captioned a segment of the video with: 'Missed their targets by miles. Debris in agricultural farms.' The message appeared to underline both the effectiveness of India's defence systems and the inaccuracy of the incoming attacks. The video further described the Army's response as one of 'Ruthless Precision. Raw Power. Fierce Pride,' sending a strong message of deterrence and readiness. Operation Sindoor, first reported on May 7, is believed to have involved coordinated strikes on terror launchpads and drone launch sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The release of Sunday's video signals a public assertion of strength and successful countermeasures.
News18
18-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘Impregnable Wall Of Fire': Indian Army Shares New Video Of Operation Sindoor
Last Updated: The video shared on X shows the destruction of Pakistani missiles by the Indian Army. The Indian Army on Sunday shared a new video of Operation Sindoor– the retaliatory campaign launched earlier this month after the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam. The video posted by the Army's Western Command carried the caption: 'Enemy Missiles neutralised… #IndianArmy – impregnable wall of fire." The video shared on X shows the destruction of Pakistani missiles by the Indian Army. The video highlighted the interception of Pakistani drones and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) by the S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The Indian Army showcased a successful defence action in the video and wrote, 'Missed their targets by miles. Debris in agricultural farms." 'Ruthless Precision. Raw Power. Fierce Pride," they added. Following a surge in tensions between India and Pakistan after India's airstrikes on nine terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a ceasefire was brokered between the two nations on May 10. India announced that trade with Pakistan would remain suspended, and the implementation of the Indus Water Treaty would also be put on hold. Earlier today, the Army said that the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan remains in place and that there is no expiry date to the 'continuation of a break in hostilities". The strikes killed at least 10 family members of JeM chief Masood Azhar and four close aides. The sites targeted were the Pakistani bases at Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang), Murid (Chakwal), Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi) Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian (Kasur). In the strikes, the air bases in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha suffered extensive damage. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 18, 2025, 22:14 IST
