Discover why the Kaveri Engine, India’s homegrown fighter jet engine, is trending in 2025. Explore its development, strategic significance, and future role in UAVs like CATS Warrior.
The Kaveri engine, developed by GTRE under DRDO, is an indigenous jet propulsion system originally intended for the HAL Tejas fighter. Conceived in the late 1980s, it faced technical delays and was removed from the Tejas program in 2008.
What is the Kaveri Engine?
The Kaveri Engine is an indigenous turbofan jet engine developed by India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Originally intended to power the HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, the engine is now being revived for advanced aerospace applications, including Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) like the CATS Warrior.
GTRE
Gas Turbine Research Centre (GTRC) took its birth at No.4 BRD Air Force Station, Kanpur in 1959 with 8 Engineers/Scientists and about 20 Technicians. First indigenously developed centrifugal type gas turbine engine of 1000 kg thrust was tested in 1961. GTRC was moved to Bangalore, brought under the banner of DRDO, and was re-named as Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in November 1961.
Why is the Kaveri Engine Trending in 2025?
In May 2025, the Kaveri Engine is making headlines due to:
- The viral #FundKaveriEngine campaign on social media.
- Ongoing testing in Russia with positive performance indicators.
- Its potential role in India’s futuristic stealth UCAV programs.
- Renewed public and governmental push for defense self-reliance.
Kaveri Engine Technologies
The Kaveri engine is a low-bypass twin-spool turbofan engine designed to produce approximately 80 kN of thrust. It features a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system and incorporates flat-rated characteristics to mitigate thrust drops due to high ambient temperatures or high forward speeds . A dry variant, without afterburner, is being developed to power the DRDO Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and more details are these
- Type: Afterburning turbofan
- Thrust: 52 kN dry, 81 kN with afterburner (target)
- Applications: Originally for Tejas, now aimed at UCAVs and other indigenous aircraft
- Current Status: Undergoing high-altitude tests and refinements for integration with drones.
Strategic Importance of Kaveri Engine
India’s dependency on foreign engines has long been a bottleneck in defense manufacturing. With the Kaveri project gaining momentum, the nation could:
- Reduce foreign reliance for combat aircraft propulsion
- Enhance its capability to export indigenous fighter jets
- Gain a foothold in the next-gen UAV and drone warfare domain
- Strengthen Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
Kaveri Engine and the CATS Warrior UCA
One of the most exciting applications of the Kaveri Engine is in the CATS Warrior, a stealthy, AI-enabled drone designed for deep-penetration and autonomous missions. Its pairing with the Kaveri engine ensures:
- Reduced radar signature (no need for imported engine adaptations)
- Seamless integration with India’s defense ecosystem
- Cost-effective operation and maintenance
Public Support and the #FundKaveriEngine Social Media Campaign
The Kaveri Engine resurgence is being fueled by strong public sentiment, with Indian netizens, veterans, and aerospace enthusiasts rallying behind the #FundKaveriEngine movement. The campaign calls for:
- Involvement of private players for faster development
- Full utilization of the existing GTRE knowledge base
- Transparent, time-bound funding from the Indian government
Conclusion: A Jet Engine for the Future of Warrior UAV Plane
After decades of hurdles, the Kaveri Engine is finally nearing operational readiness. With its inclusion in India’s upcoming UCAV programs, the project isn’t just a technological feat—it’s a symbol of India’s aerospace ambition. The success of the Kaveri engine could mark a historic shift in India’s journey toward complete defense self-reliance.
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