Indian Air Force Backs Kaveri Engine for TEJAS Jets, Paving Way for Indigenous Fighter Jet Power

India is pushing ahead with its ambitious plan to develop the Kaveri turbofan engine, a move aimed at reducing dependence on foreign powerplants for the TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which plans to operate over 220 TEJAS MK-1A jets over the next four decades, has extended its support to the indigenous engine program. This effort aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defense technology.

Why India Wants to Replace the GE F404 Engine

Currently, the TEJAS MK-1A is powered by the GE F404-IN20 engine, which delivers 54 kN of dry thrust and 84 kN with afterburner. While these engines have been reliable, their high procurement costs—ranging between $8–10 million per unit—along with supply chain vulnerabilities due to geopolitical factors, have made indigenous alternatives an attractive option.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key player in India’s defense research, is leading the development of the Kaveri engine. The goal is to create a fully homegrown propulsion system that can match or exceed the capabilities of the imported GE F404 while ensuring greater operational independence.

The Road to Kaveri 2.0

GTRE has been working on an upgraded version, often referred to as Kaveri 2.0, which is designed to enhance India’s fighter jet propulsion capabilities. The Kaveri 2.0 variant has now been approved for flight testing, marking a crucial milestone in the engine’s development. Extensive ground tests have already demonstrated a dry thrust of approximately 49–51 kN, making it suitable for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The next step involves real-world flight testing, which is expected to provide crucial insights into its performance under operational conditions.

The objective is to produce a thrust range of 55–58 kN in its core configuration, with an afterburner module pushing total thrust beyond 90 kN—sufficient for aircraft like the TEJAS MK-1A and future platforms. The first step in this roadmap is demonstrating the capabilities of the Dry Kaveri engine with an afterburner, targeting an initial wet thrust of around 73–75 kN.

Challenges and the Path Ahead

The original Kaveri engine faced multiple hurdles, particularly in achieving its intended thrust levels. The early versions could only produce 70–75 kN of wet thrust instead of the targeted 81 kN. Addressing these issues, GTRE is focusing on refining the engine’s core and integrating advanced afterburner technology.

A two-phase strategy is in place to ensure the project’s success:

1. Validate the KDE (Kaveri Derivative Engine) for mid-life upgrades of TEJAS MK-1A.

2. Develop the more powerful Kaveri 2.0, capable of generating 90–100 kN of thrust, which could potentially power the TEJAS MK-2 and future indigenous fighters.

Key hurdles include sourcing critical materials like high-pressure turbine blades and low-pressure turbine discs, which India is currently procuring. The program also requires sustained investment and technological advancements to reach operational deployment. Certification of the afterburner module is anticipated by 2026.

Strategic Benefits of an Indigenous Fighter Jet Engine

A successful Kaveri program would mark a major step in India's defense self-reliance, reducing dependence on suppliers like General Electric and enhancing operational flexibility. Indigenous engines are also tailored to withstand India's diverse climatic conditions, unlike imported ones that tend to degrade in high-temperature environments.

The long-term impact of the Kaveri engine extends beyond TEJAS jets. Future iterations could power advanced fighter jets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and even India's upcoming 5th-generation fighter aircraft projects.

The development of the Kaveri engine represents a strategic leap for India’s aerospace sector. While challenges remain, GTRE's ongoing efforts, supported by the Indian Air Force, signal a determined push toward self-sufficiency in fighter jet propulsion. If successfully integrated, the Kaveri engine will not only replace foreign alternatives but also pave the way for India’s future in military aviation technology.