As India sharpens its focus on self-reliance in defence technology, an old but vital project is once again in the spotlight. The Kaveri engine, a homegrown jet engine initiative that once faced a near-shelving, has suddenly surged to the top of public discourse.
This resurgence comes in the wake of India's aerial counter-offensive, Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror infrastructure across the border, and fresh momentum around the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programme.
Now, a grassroots social media campaign, #FundKaveriEngine, is making waves, urging the government to pour in more resources into reviving the ambitious engine programme that could change the face of Indian aerospace capability.
What is Kaveri Engine?
The Kaveri engine, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO, was initially conceived in the 1980s to power the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas. A twin-spool, low-bypass turbofan engine capable of producing 80 kN thrust, it boasts features like full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) and a flat-rated design to cope with extreme flight conditions.
However, by 2008, the Kaveri engine had been delinked from the Tejas programme after it failed to meet thrust and reliability benchmarks. Challenges in high-temperature metallurgy, poor afterburner performance, and lack of indigenous testing infrastructure forced India to rely on GE’s F404 engines from the United States.
According to a Hindustan Times report, delays were also caused by late-stage international collaborations and underwhelming project management.
Kaveri 2.0 and New Strategic Dimensions
Despite its setbacks, the Kaveri engine is far from grounded. It is currently undergoing flight trials in Russia, with about 25 hours of testing still to go. These tests will play a crucial role in determining its readiness for future applications.
Crucially, the engine has found new relevance. It is being adapted for India’s stealth drone, Ghatak, and re-engineered as the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE). Two modules have already been delivered by Godrej Aerospace, with six more due by August 2025.
There’s also growing ambition to develop Kaveri 2.0, a more powerful 90 kN variant that could replace the GE F404 in Tejas Mk1A jets during their post-2035 mid-life upgrades.
The Indian Navy is getting onboard too, with the Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT) undergoing successful trials. As reported by The Print, efforts are underway to increase its output beyond 12 MW to support larger warships.
