India’s Kaveri Engine Program: A Step Toward Self-Reliance in Jet Engine Technology

Every fighter jet relies heavily on its engine—arguably the most critical component of any combat aircraft. It generates the thrust needed for supersonic flight and battlefield dominance. However, building such a complex engine domestically is a monumental challenge, one that only a few nations have successfully overcome.

India’s ambitious journey to develop its own fighter jet engine began in the early 1980s with the launch of the Kaveri engine program. The goal was to power the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, thus reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.

Despite decades of research and development, the engine fell short of required performance metrics and was officially delinked from the Tejas program in 2008. The primary issues included its inability to generate the required 81 kN of thrust—achieving only around 70–75 kN—and excessive weight, making it unsuitable for modern fighter jets.

Since then, India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has shifted its focus. The Kaveri engine has been repurposed for other uses, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and a dry (non-afterburning) variant is under development for less demanding aerial platforms.

Recent Progress and Upcoming Trials

In a major breakthrough, as of December 23, 2024, the dry variant of the kaveri engine was approved for in-flight testing. The test will be conducted in Russia in 2025, using a modified Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, where one of the plane’s four engines will be replaced with the Kaveri engine to assess real-time performance under flight conditions.

Despite this milestone, significant challenges remain. The engine must undergo extended testing to validate its endurance, efficiency, and adaptability. Historically, progress has been hampered by technological barriers, lack of domestic testing infrastructure, and shortages of specialized expertise.

Kaveri 2.0: The Next Chapter

GTRE is now working on a more advanced variant—kaveri engine thrust 2.0. This version aims to deliver 55–58 kN of dry thrust and over 90 kN with afterburner, potentially making it suitable for upcoming platforms such as the Tejas Mk1A, Mk2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Targeted for completion by the mid-to-late 2030s, the kaveri 2.0 engine project received a boost in April 2025, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced increased funding to accelerate development. The project is closely aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

Public-Private Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships

One of the most promising developments is the increasing involvement of the private sector. Companies like Godrej Aerospace have begun manufacturing parts for the dry Kaveri engine, while Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is also a strong contender for deeper involvement. This marks a significant step in promoting public-private partnerships in high-end defense manufacturing.

To further address technical gaps, India is also exploring collaborations with international players like Safran (France), GE (USA), and Rolls-Royce (UK). Importantly, these partnerships are designed to ensure that India retains full intellectual property rights, helping build long-term self-reliance.

Why It Matters

India currently relies on foreign engines like the kaveri engine vs ge f414, which power the Tejas Mk1 and Mk2. These engines have shown limitations in hot and high-altitude environments, where Indian-designed engines like the Kaveri—optimized for flat-rated performance across diverse climates—could potentially offer a more reliable and efficient alternative.

GTRE aims to complete all required tests for the kaveri derivative engine by 2025–26, with limited-series production planned for the Ghatak stealth UAV soon after. A successful indigenous engine will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also represent a major strategic and technological leap.

Conclusion

India is at a critical juncture in its defense journey. With efforts ramping up to indigenize engine technology, the success of the kaveri engine testing in russia and Kaveri 2.0 programs could redefine the nation’s aerospace landscape. Though challenges remain—especially in terms of thrust-to-weight optimization, licensing issues, and long testing timelines—the commitment from both the government and private sector indicates a promising path forward.

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