Indigenous 180hp Diesel Engine to Power Tapas UAV, Boosting Endurance and High-Altitude Performance

India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology has received a major boost with the development of an indigenous 180hp diesel engine for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Designed by Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotive, this advanced powerplant is set to enhance the capabilities of the Tapas UAV, India’s medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone.

A Game-Changer for India’s UAV Program

Unveiled at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, the 180hp diesel engine has successfully completed ground trials and is now being integrated into the upgraded Tapas UAV. Officials have confirmed that taxi trials and in-flight tests will begin soon. This marks a major milestone in reducing India's dependence on imported UAV engines, making the country more self-reliant in critical defence technologies.

The Tapas UAV, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed for long-endurance surveillance and reconnaissance missions. With this indigenous diesel engine, the UAV is expected to achieve superior fuel efficiency, greater operational range, and better performance in high-altitude environments.

Key Advantages of the 180hp Diesel Engine

Compared to traditional gasoline engines or imported alternatives, this diesel powerplant offers several crucial advantages:

• Enhanced Endurance – Diesel engines are naturally more fuel-efficient than gasoline ones, allowing UAVs to fly for longer durations without refueling. This is critical for surveillance and reconnaissance missions where extended flight times are a necessity.
• High-Altitude Capability – The engine is designed to operate effectively in low-oxygen environments, making it ideal for missions over the Himalayas and other strategic high-altitude regions where India's border security depends on sustained aerial surveillance.
• Increased Payload Capacity – With better fuel economy, the UAV can accommodate additional payloads, such as advanced sensors, communication equipment, and surveillance systems, thereby enhancing mission efficiency.
• Indigenous Manufacturing – The development of this engine supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative by reducing dependence on foreign defence suppliers and strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities.

Towards a More Capable Tapas UAV

With this engine, the Tapas UAV will gain extended operational range and improved performance in challenging conditions, making it an invaluable asset for India’s armed forces. The successful completion of upcoming trials will determine its readiness for full-scale deployment.

If integrated successfully, this could pave the way for future UAV programs to incorporate homegrown propulsion systems, reducing India's reliance on imported drone engines and positioning the country as a leader in indigenous UAV technology.

As India continues to strengthen its defence and aerospace sector, the 180hp diesel engine-powered Tapas UAV is set to become a game-changer in high-altitude surveillance and long-endurance missions.