India’s aerospace sector is once again turning to the Kaveri engine programme, with defence firms and DRDO pushing for a 90 kN variant to power the Tejas fighter jets. The move comes at a crucial time when delays in the supply of US-made GE F404 engines are slowing down production of the Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
A Push for Self-Reliance
The Tejas Mk1A fleet, the backbone of India’s indigenous fighter programme, currently depends on imported GE F404-IN20 engines. Supply bottlenecks and production setbacks in the US, however, have highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on foreign vendors for critical systems. To bridge this gap, Indian defence manufacturers are advocating for a locally built Kaveri derivative engine capable of producing around 90 kN thrust.
Private Industry Steps In
Major private sector players such as Godrej Aerospace and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are in talks with the Ministry of Defence to fast-track development. Their proposal revolves around upgrading the dry Kaveri derivative already developed for UAVs and adding an advanced afterburner module. If successful, this could offer India a direct replacement for the F404 engines, ensuring continuity in Tejas production without external dependence.
Technical Challenges Ahead
Developing a combat-ready jet engine of this scale is no small task. Achieving a 90 kN thrust rating requires advances in turbine technology, high-temperature alloys, and fuel-efficient afterburner design. Moreover, the engine would need to undergo extensive ground and flight trials before certification, which could take several years.
Strategic Impact
Despite the hurdles, the proposal is seen as a long-term investment in strategic autonomy. A successful 90 kN Kaveri variant would not only strengthen the Tejas programme but also reduce India’s vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and export restrictions. It would further align with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by creating domestic expertise in a technology area long dominated by a handful of foreign powers.
The Road Ahead
According to officials familiar with the matter, the plan may proceed in phases-first integrating a lower-thrust afterburning Kaveri into test aircraft, followed by scaling up to the full 90 kN variant. While timelines remain uncertain, the momentum from both DRDO and the private sector suggests that indigenous engine development is firmly back on the agenda.
