Aiming to boost its performance and reliability, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is making strong progress with the Dry Kaveri engine program. This initiative makes India closer to building its own powerful fighter jet engine.

GTRE is preparing the Kaveri to deliver up to 80 kN of thrust with plans to add a new afterburner and test the engine on a MiG-29 fighter jet marking a significant step towards powering Indian-made aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A and future combat drones. This marks a prominent leap in India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology.

Afterburner Combo on LCA- GTRE Secures Nod for Kaveri Engine

GTRE is making major progress on its Kaveri engine project. They’ve already started buying important parts to test a new version of the engine, called the Dry Kaveri 9, which will be paired with a powerful afterburner to boost thrust up to 80 kN which is a big jump from the earlier 73 kN.

Earlier, the Dry Kaveri was expected to produce 46 kN, but it recently reached 49–50 kN in tests. GTRE hopes it can meet the power needs of fighter jets, including India’s Tejas Mk1A with the help of afterburner.

GTRE is working with HAL and the Indian Air Force to install the engine in a MiG-29, which has two engines to test it in real flight conditions. This way, they can also test the Kaveri safely while still having one working engine as backup.

These flight tests will help prove the engine’s reliability and performance. GTRE plans to fully certify the engine by 2032. As of now, they’re focusing on ground tests and fixing earlier design issues with improved technology.

The Dry Kaveri could power future versions of the Tejas fighter jet and even advanced drones like the Ghatak UCAV, if everything goes well. 

This homegrown engine would also support India’s goal of becoming a global defense equipment exporter, making it self-reliance.