Kaveri Engine: India’s Indigenous Jet Engine Project

Kaveri Engine: India’s Indigenous Jet Engine Project 

The Kaveri Engine is India’s ambitious project to develop an indigenous turbofan jet engine for military aircraft, primarily aimed at powering the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Launched in 1986 under the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of DRDO, the project represents a major step toward achieving self-reliance in critical defence technology.

 Key Objectives

 • Develop a turbofan engine with 85 kN thrust (with afterburner).
 • Equip LCA Tejas with a fully indigenous engine.
 • Reduce dependency on foreign engines like the General Electric GE F404 and F414.

 Timeline and Developments

 • 1989: GTRE began the development.
 • 2004–2010: Trials faced technical failures like turbine blade issues and weight overruns.
 • 2014 onwards: The engine was delinked from Tejas due to underperformance.
 • 2016: France’s Safran proposed assistance to revive the project.
 • 2022–24: Renewed efforts under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

 Latest Update (2024–2025)

 • DRDO is working on a refined version of the Kaveri engine, potentially for Unmanned Combat     Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) like Ghatak.
 • Collaboration with Safran (France) is underway for:
 • Jet engine core transfer of technology (ToT)
 • A joint venture proposal is being reviewed for co-development.
 • The modified Kaveri engine may not power LCA Mk1/2 but could be suitable for:
 • Twin-engine stealth fighters
 • Drones/UCAVs
 • Naval applications

 Challenges Faced

 • Inconsistent thrust levels.
 • Overheating and weight issues.
 • Lack of experience in critical materials and precision manufacturing.