In order to replace the imported GE F404 engines that now power the TEJAS MK-1A light combat aircraft, India is moving forward with its domestic Kaveri engine program. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which intends to use more than 220 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft over the course of their 40-year lifespan, supports this action, which is in line with the country’s objective of aerospace self-reliance.
GE F404-IN20 engines power the TEJAS MK-1A, producing 84 kN of wet thrust and 54 kN of dry thrust. However, depending on foreign engines comes with geopolitical concerns and significant prices ($8–10 million per engine).
The development of a derivative Kaveri engine (KDE) with an afterburner module that can provide 73–74 kN wet thrust, similar to the French M88-2 engine seen in Rafale planes, is being spearheaded by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
GTRE aims for a technological demonstration of the KDE by late 2025, paving the way for integration into TEJAS MK-1A aircraft by mid-life replacements around 2035.
The Kaveri engine, is an ambitious indigenous project aimed at replacing the GE F404 engine currently powering the TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets. However, the comparison reveals significant differences in performance and maturity between the two engines.
The Kaveri 2.0 version is intended to improve India’s domestic fighter aircraft propulsion capability. The Kaveri engine’s approval for flight testing in March 2025 represents a significant turning point in its protracted and difficult development history.
The engine’s dry thrust of roughly 49–51 kN, appropriate for unmanned aerial vehicle applications, was proved during thorough ground testing, leading to this approval. It will now be tested on a flight test bed under actual flight conditions.
An afterburner is anticipated to increase overall thrust above 90 kN, while the Kaveri 2.0’s core configuration seeks to generate thrust levels between 55 and 58 kN. For sophisticated aircraft like the TEJAS MK-1A and future platforms to achieve their operational requirements, this thrust capability is essential. Validating the Dry Kaveri engine’s performance with an afterburner is the GTRE’s immediate goal. It aims to produce an initial wet thrust output of approximately 73–75 kN, which is crucial for combat situations that call for supersonic flight.
Creating a new prototype core engine that will form the basis of upcoming Kaveri engine revisions is another of GTRE’s ambitious objectives. The original Kaveri engine struggled to fulfil its thrust requirements, and this revised design aims to address those restrictions. Over the years, the Kaveri project has experienced many changes and enhancements, including partnerships with foreign entities to improve its design and performance indicators.
By lowering reliance on foreign engines like the GE-F404 and F414 now used in Indian fighter jets, the successful completion of flight tests will not only prove the Kaveri engine’s capabilities but also greatly advance India’s defence self-reliance ambitions.
Instead of producing the desired 81 kN of wet thrust, the initial Kaveri engine only managed to produce 70–75 kN. GTRE is concentrating on improving the core and combining it with cutting-edge afterburner technology in order to solve this.
The plan is to demonstrate the KDE’s potential first, then build a more potent Kaveri 2.0 engine that can provide thrust of up to 90–100 kN for next platforms like the TEJAS MK-2.
Important parts needed for integration testing include high-pressure turbine discs and low-pressure turbine blades, which are presently being purchased.
The Kaveri engine’s successful implementation would improve operational flexibility, lessen reliance on foreign suppliers, and drastically cut long-term expenses.
In contrast to imported alternatives that deteriorate in hot climes, indigenous engines are made to continue operating under the harsh circumstances typical of India’s operating environment.
Despite advancements, complete integration into TEJAS MK-1A is still a long-term objective because of financial constraints and technical challenges. By 2026, the afterburner module should be certified.
By enabling upgraded fighter jets and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), Kaveri 2.0 and its variants have the potential to completely transform India’s aerospace industry.
Although the initiative marks a significant advancement in India’s defence capabilities, its lofty objectives will only be met with consistent funding and technological advancements. The Kaveri engine is a crucial step towards attaining domestic expertise in aircraft engineering as GTRE develops its technology.
