India’s enduring pursuit of self-sufficiency in indigenous aero-engines is gaining substantial momentum, as the Kaveri engine initiative is set to make a notable advancement. New funding, the integration of an indigenously developed afterburner by BrahMos Aerospace, and crucial flight testing on the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft are set to redefine the future of India’s homegrown propulsion capabilities.
The Kaveri Engine Derivative (KDE) program, spearheaded by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is expected to receive fresh financial impetus from the Ministry of Defence. This renewed commitment, recently underscored by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to accelerate the development of the KDE, which is a non-afterburning variant initially designed for platforms like the DRDO Ghatak stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
A pivotal development is the involvement of BrahMos Aerospace Corporation, traditionally known for its supersonic cruise missiles, in engineering a new afterburner for the Kaveri. This expansion of BrahMos’s role into propulsion technology is significant. The addition of this afterburner is projected to increase the engine’s thrust to a robust 78-80 kN, addressing historical thrust deficiencies and bringing it closer to the performance levels required for modern fighter jets.
Perhaps the most anticipated step is the integration and flight testing of the KDE, complete with its new afterburner, onto an older Limited Series Production (LSP) Tejas aircraft. This critical trial will evaluate the engine’s performance under real-flight conditions, serving as a vital proof-of-concept. This move lays essential groundwork for potentially integrating the Kaveri into future Tejas variants, including the Mk1A, and other advanced manned fighter platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Despite its decades-long development marked by technical challenges, delays, and cost overruns, the renewed focus on the Kaveri program aligns perfectly with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. With ongoing high-altitude tests in Russia and a strong domestic push, including public campaigns like “#FundKaveriEngine,” the project aims to reduce India’s long-term reliance on imported engines, positioning the nation as a contender in the global aero-engine market and ensuring strategic autonomy in critical defense technology.