Kaveri Derivative Engine with Afterburner: Real Facts 2025

For over three decades, India chased a dream it could never quite catch, building a jet engine of its own. The original Kaveri project, once hailed as a national milestone, eventually became a cautionary tale of missed deadlines, technical roadblocks, and abandoned ambitions.

But in 2025, everything changed.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a DRDO lab once dismissed after past failures, has unveiled the Kaveri Derivative Engine with afterburner. This is not a blueprint or a CGI render. It is a fully functional prototype, now gearing up for flight tests.

What makes this engine different? Why has it sparked renewed optimism within India’s defence ecosystem? And could this finally mark the beginning of true self-reliance in fighter jet propulsion?

Let us unpack what has been unveiled and why it matters now more than ever.

Introduction: From Failure to Flight – The Kaveri Engine Story

India’s dependence on foreign jet engines has long been a strategic vulnerability. While the Tejas Mk1A continues to rely on the GE F404-IN20, the Mk2 will adopt the GE F414. The long-term vision has always been to build a completely indigenous fighter jet engine.

GTRE’s latest reveal changes the equation. The Kaveri Derivative Engine with afterburner is the most advanced indigenous engine India has ever publicly demonstrated. Unlike its predecessor, this one is purpose-built for unmanned platforms and testbed aircraft, not for frontline fighters – yet.

DRDO Kaveri Engine Latest Update: Certified, Tested, Ready to Fly

After years of low visibility, the Kaveri programme has quietly matured into something tangible. GTRE showcased the engine’s hot section, nozzle configuration, and wiring during its public reveal.

Key Performance Parameters:

• Dry thrust: 49 to 52 kilonewtons (kN)
• Afterburner thrust: 73 to 80 kN
• Remaining testing time: Less than 25 hours
• Planned platforms: Ghatak UCAV, Tejas LSP (Limited Series Production) aircraft for test flights

This thrust rating brings the KDE close to the performance of the GE F404, which powers the Tejas Mk1A. That alone is a massive achievement for India’s aero engine development ecosystem.

Why the Kaveri Engine Is Not Going Into Tejas

A frequent question is: Will the Kaveri derivative engine power Tejas? The short answer is no – and here’s why:

Reasons for Exclusion:

• The original Kaveri could not meet the high-altitude thrust and thermal management requirements.
• Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 are already committed to the GE F404 and F414 engines, respectively.
• The current KDE is designed more for drones and flight-test roles than for frontline fighter deployment.

By focusing on testbed and unmanned applications, DRDO is taking a more strategic and risk-free path to certification.

Also Read: 97 Additional Tejas Mk1A Jets Ordered: Why GE F404 Still Dominates

Public Confusion: No, This Engine Is Not for Tejas

When GTRE unveiled the Kaveri Derivative Engine with afterburner, it created quite a buzz on social media and defence forums. Many assumed this was the long-awaited replacement for the GE-F404 powering the Tejas Mk1A or the GE-F414 planned for Tejas Mk2.

But the reality is very different.

This engine is not meant for Tejas. It is not yet certified for manned fighters, nor does it meet the thrust and reliability standards required for combat deployment in frontline jets.

Instead, it is purpose-built for:

• Ghatak UCAV (India’s stealth unmanned combat drone)
• Tejas LSP aircraft for flight-testing and data collection only

The public excitement is understandable, but it’s important to fact-check the role and limitations of this engine in 2025. While it’s a breakthrough, it’s not a drop-in replacement for existing Tejas engines.

Real-World Applications: India’s Jet Engine for UCAV and Future Systems

The Kaveri Derivative Engine is not a dead-end. It is a cornerstone of India’s defence propulsion strategy moving forward.

Confirmed Integration: Ghatak UCAV

• The engine is tailored for the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
• With a dry thrust of approximately 52 kN, it is ideal for stealth drones that prioritise endurance and low infrared signature.
• Its integration will make Ghatak the first Indian UAV powered by an indigenous turbofan engine.

Potential Future Roles:

• It may be used in indigenous trainer aircraft or light combat platforms.
• Will support the development and validation of future propulsion systems.
• Acts as a tech demonstrator for modular engine architectures.

This is India’s first serious step toward a jet engine for Indian stealth drones, built entirely within the country.

Also Read: Ghatak UCAV: India’s Stealth Drone Powered by Kaveri

Engineering Breakthrough: Afterburner Integration in Indigenous Engine

Until now, India had never publicly demonstrated a fully integrated afterburner-equipped Indian engine.

What This Proves:

• Successful fuel injection and flame stability under variable conditions
• Reliable nozzle actuation and thrust modulation
• Capability to handle high thermal loads using indigenous alloys and coatings

GTRE has shown it can meet complex fighter-class engine thrust levels with an Indian core – and that is the real headline.

Dry Thrust vs Afterburner Thrust: Why Both Matter

Understanding the difference is crucial:

• Dry thrust is used during cruising, loitering, and stealthy missions.
• Afterburner thrust is used during takeoff, supersonic acceleration, or combat manoeuvres.

With thrust scaling from 49 kN to nearly 80 kN, the KDE gives Indian platforms the tactical flexibility previously limited to imported systems.

Performance Comparison: GTRE Kaveri Derivative vs GE F404

While the GE engine is combat-tested, India’s homegrown option is now within striking distance.

The Road Ahead: GTRE–Safran Engine for AMCA Mk2

The Kaveri Derivative Engine is not the endgame. It is a stepping stone toward GTRE’s next big goal – a 110+ kN class engine for fifth-generation fighters.

India’s Collaboration with Safran Includes:

• Co-development of an engine for the AMCA Mk2
• Full technology transfer (ToT) to enable Indian manufacturing
• Use of advanced single-crystal blades, digital control systems, and high-temperature materials

With this programme, India may finally move toward a truly independent fighter jet engine ecosystem.

Also Read: AMCA MkII Engine: GTRE–Safran Jet Engine Deal Explained

Timeline: India’s Jet Engine Journey at a Glance

My Perspective: Why This Development Actually Matters

As someone who has followed India’s aerospace evolution for years, I see this as more than a milestone. This is a moment of course correction.

The original Kaveri programme failed, but GTRE did not give up. Instead, they recalibrated, learned from setbacks, and delivered a system that works – one that is already being prepped for flight.

With this engine, India doesn’t just build thrust. It builds credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will the Kaveri engine power Tejas?
No. Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 will continue using GE engines. The KDE is not yet certified for manned fighter roles.

Which aircraft will use the Kaveri derivative engine?
It will first power the Ghatak UCAV and later be used in Tejas LSP testbeds.

What is the thrust of the Kaveri derivative engine?
Dry thrust: 49–52 kN. With afterburner: 73–80 kN.

Can this engine be exported?
Once certified, it may be offered to friendly nations for drones or trainers under Make in India.

How does this support engine self-reliance?
It gives India independent propulsion capability for critical platforms, reducing dependency on imported engines.