Kaveri & Aero-Engine: News & Discussion

[Prem Kumar]

This French Safran deal is about kicking the can down the road. The problem of engine is immediate. Kaveri and its derivatives are absolutely needed by India. Even a slightly underpowered engine is much better than importing engines (which is subject to sanctions). Using incremental improvements it can be scaled up further. Our blighted babus need to sanction in house test bed and aircraft for testing engines. This is minimum requirement if India needs to be independent of Videshi maal. Defence mantriji Rajnath and defence secretary are not in synch with this objective. They are still "hoping" instead of delivering value. Lots of backend deals are what Babus want to make their lives easier and unaccountable. The financial implications are even worse for India.

Far from seeing them as the problem, Modi sees the Civil Services as a solution. He often trusts them more than his ministers. He thinks they will watch his work-ethic and mend their ways

[Kakkaji]

I think the next logical step in the Kaveri program is to come up with an improved Kaveri 2,0 indigenously, with collaboration between GTRE and private companies like Godrej Aerospace, with performance that equals the GE404-IN20. Godrej has already proposed this to the MoD, saying this is more achievable than aiming to match the performance of the GE414.

A substitute for the GE404-IN20 is necessary and has to be ready before the LCA Mk1/Mk1A engines come up for replacement. Over 400 units will be needed during the lifecycle of the LCA Mk1/ Mk1A.

I would venture to say that, simultaneously, the French should be paid to develop a substitute for GE404-IN20 using their M88 core, which they have promised they can do rather quickly.

If both the above projects succeed before the engine replacements are due on LCA Mk1/ Mk1A, then just split the order between the two so that each can have a run of 200+ units.

JMHO

[maitya]

Maitya-ji can correct me if I am wrong, but I doubt (even if we opened the money purse and poured funds into the Kaveri program as of TODAY) that we will have a certified turbofan even after five years. I am more inclined to go with 10 years, but Maitya-ji can provide a more accurate timeline.

In terms of air power, we are staring at a fairly bleak future. The only (short term) viable path forward is the following;

1) Complete the Super Sukhoi upgrade on the current Rambha Fleet
2) Build additional Rambhas (around 40 more). Highly unlikely this will happen, due to the MRFA fiasco.
3) Integrate GE F404 turbofans, as and when they come to the Tejas Mk1A airframes.
ka
Nothing else (incl the MRFA) will arrive in any decent time. The first MRFA will arrive - at minimum - three years after contract signature.

I'm nobody to hazard guesses about the future of indigenous TF D&D, but IMVHO, if FTB, HATF (and upcoming ground based test facilities) and adequate funding is available today,
a) a 4Gen TF of 80-88KN (Kaveri class, the K10) is doable within 5 years
b) a 4Gen TF of 95-100KN (Kaveri+ class) is doable in next 7-8 years
"doable" -> testing completion, certification and production run start

However if we are aiming for 5Gen TF, the TRL level readiness can come by only after 6-7years, so certification and production-ready versions is minm 10+ years away.
That's why a JV with Safran (or whoever) for this is absolutely required - that's the only way to keep the AMCA program risk-free as much as possible.
The only grouse here is, there seems to be no willingness to fund a parallel 5th Gen TF D&D program - which is the only only way to hedge against OEM slowly drifting away to Mfg ToT, something that's not very different (though deeper) from the F414 ToAst deal.
I've given some example scenarios on X.

Similarly, wrt pt b above, the F414 ToAst deal is required for the MK2 program.

=========================================================================================
Added Later: Wrt this parallel 5th Gen TF D&D program, a deep-mfg ToT of
i) the Izdeliya-30/AL-51 via the Su-57 Lic Mfg deal
OR
ii) the XF-9 series, as a Lic Mfg AMCA TF, as backup option wrt the Safran JV Turbofan
or both, would be a very serious accelerator!!

[Rakesh]

HAL’s gas turbine engine project hit by delayed test-bed approvals, says Parliament panel
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/busin ... 22907.html
12 Dec 2025

The Committee cited delays arising from the 'failure to secure critical components on time, due to procurement bottlenecks and delayed approvals for test-bed construction' as well as land clearance issues.

A comprehensive review by the Committee on Public Undertakings (CPU) has flagged persistent delays in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) gas turbine engine development programme, with the panel cautioning that slow approvals for essential testing infrastructure continue to hinder progress. HAL has been developing two aero-engines under its gas turbine engine programme – “a 25 kilo newton engine” for Intermediate Jet Trainer-class aircraft and a turboshaft engine for helicopters – sanctioned for Rs 441.41 crore, but with Stage II “ongoing since 2018 with no completion in sight.” The Committee cited delays arising from the “failure to secure critical components on time, due to procurement bottlenecks and delayed approvals for test-bed construction,” as well as land clearance issues.

The Defence Ministry said material research “is being taken up by DMRL (DRDO) and MIDHANI,” with HAL placing orders of Rs 757.82 crore on MIDHANI. While acknowledging HAL’s efforts to partner with DRDO, MIDHANI and global engine makers, the Committee criticised the absence of a clear roadmap for critical testing infrastructure. “The Ministry’s reply is interim in nature, as the core issue of developing dedicated test-bed infrastructure remains unresolved. The Committee, therefore, desires that the Ministry of Defence expedite this analysis and furnish a definitive action plan, with clear timelines and funding arrangements,” the panel said in its report. The panel emphasised that a “gap analysis…is a critical first step, but it is not the solution itself.”

The Twenty-Sixth Report of the CPU – presented to Parliament in December 2025 and chaired by Baijayant Panda – pulls up the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for failing to resolve long-pending gaps in test-bed facilities crucial for engine certification and development. The Committee comprises senior MPs from both Houses, including Tariq Anwar, Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Milind Deora, John Brittas and Bhagwat Karad.

Indigenisation Goals

The CPU cautioned that unless the Defence Ministry urgently operationalises the long-pending test-bed facility, the programme risks further delays, undermining the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat plans in strategic aerospace systems. The Committee has asked the Ministry to keep it informed of progress and furnish final action-taken replies expeditiously.

Delayed Approvals

The Committee reiterated concerns first raised in its Tenth Report, which underscored that the engine project had suffered time and cost overruns due to procurement hurdles and administrative delays. “One of the primary reasons for the delay is the failure to secure critical components on time, due to procurement bottlenecks and delayed approvals for test-bed construction,” it noted. It added that “land clearance approvals were delayed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, adding more than three years to the project timeline.” The prolonged delay has forced HAL to write off Rs 159.23 crore as costs it can no longer recover.

Indigenous Challenges

Responding to the Committee, the Ministry highlighted the complexity of the project, stating, “HAL took up R&D of two engines pro-actively to become self-reliant… The critical components for such an engine are being designed and developed for the first time in the country and there has been a delay from the estimated time in redesigning them.” It further noted that engine technologies remain closely guarded internationally: “Very few countries in the world have matured gas turbine engine manufacturing technology and they do not transfer the complete technology.” HAL has ongoing international partnerships – such as its joint venture SAFHAL with Safran Helicopter Engines – and domestic orders placed on MIDHANI for indigenous raw materials. The Ministry added that “a gap analysis of ground facilities for testing of airborne systems is being carried out.”

[Rakesh]

HAL’s gas turbine engine project hit by delayed test-bed approvals, says Parliament panel
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/busin ... 22907.html
12 Dec 2025

The Ministry added that “a gap analysis of ground facilities for testing of airborne systems is being carried out.”

Via garam chai, piping hot bonda and biskoot sessions. Sab Kuch Teek Hai! History will record this govt having not taken the lead in forcing Atmanirbhar Bharat down the throats of the armed forces and providing the required funding.

MRFA = 25+ billion minimum. Squadron shortage, air force needs planes, there is no Plan B, etc....

Engine Development = No will saar, no money saar, no facilities saar, etc...

[Rakesh]

^^^ But will gleefully do screwdrivergiri on someone else's engine and call it ToT...

India Enters The Fifth-Gen Elite Engine Club: Russia Clears Full Su-57E Izdeliye 177S Tech Transfer
https://zeenews.india.com/world/india-e ... 94204.html
10 Dec 2025

Russia’s approval of the Su-57E Izdeliye 177S engine transfer gives India access to fifth-generation turbine technology, enabling the HAL to manufacture advanced materials and leap forward in next-gen fighter power.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Defencecore/status/200313 ... 54765?s=20 ---> A late-1980s CIA intelligence assessment, declassified in 2012, with detailed insights into SNECMA's M88 engine development & upgrades plan, showing it as a credible challenger to the “Big Three” jet-engine makers (GE,RR,P&W). Full PDF on my Telegram, link in bio.

Check out the highlighted part in yellow in the second photo below

https://x.com/clewyclawy/status/2003398 ... 02391?s=20 ---> https://x.com/Defencecore/status/200313 ... 54765?s=20 ---> CIA could see it in 1987 & yet we picked F414 for Tejas...sad!

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/indiaemerges/status/20052 ... 54021?s=20 ---> Rolls-Royce is exploring the idea of India as its third 'home market' (US and Germany being the other two outside the UK) with major investments. They see opportunities across jet engines, naval propulsion, land systems and advanced engineering as their priorities. Dangling the carrot for AMCA I guess because 'the company is planning a significant investment in the country, with the development of a next-generation aero engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme emerging as a key priority.'

Rolls-Royce eyes India as third ‘home market’, plans major investment
https://manufacturing.economictimes.ind ... /126213136
28 Dec 2025

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/2006420 ... 81598?s=20 ---> CEMILAC has awarded provisional clearances to MIDHANI for successfully indigenizing various grades of super alloys, titanium alloys and special steels like the BZL1, BZL14H, ZS 6Y, OT 4-1, Titan 33A, AE866W & 16XH3BFMB-W for the AL-31FP engine powering the Su-30MKI aircraft. These critical alloys will be further used to manufacture safety-critical and mission-critical aero engine components of AL-31FP. MIDHANI's endeavors for indigenizing the components for the Su-30MKI aircraft’s AL-31FP engine, a project initiated by HAL, Koraput in 2024.

https://x.com/shreedharsingh9/status/20 ... 26728?s=20 ---> CEMILAC has awarded provisional clearances to MIDHANI for successfully indigenizing various grades of super alloys, titanium alloys and special steels like the BZL1, BZL14H, ZS 6Y, OT 4-1, Titan 33A, AE866W & 16XH3BFMB-W for the AL-31FP engine powering the Su-30MKI aircraft.

[Rakesh]

Rolls-Royce eyes India as third ‘home market’, plans major investment
https://manufacturing.economictimes.ind ... /126213136
28 Dec 2025

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/Indian_Analyzer/status/20 ... 77754?s=20 ---> CBI registers FIR against a Delhi man who emailed ISRO, HAL, DRDO, even the Pentagon, claiming he had the PM’s “BLESSINGS” to help build an indigenous jet engine

PMO flagged the fraud instantly. (By: Aman Sharma/CNN18)

[Rakesh]

Rolls-Royce eyes India as third ‘home market’, plans major investment
https://manufacturing.economictimes.ind ... /126213136
28 Dec 2025

https://x.com/Tej_Intel/status/2008111411151659077?s=20 ---> So the AMCA engine deal is not finalized yet. Safran is not the winner as of yet. Rolls Royce has upped the offering by adding marine gas turbine engine in the proposal, along with the proposed aero-engine. General Electric having similar capability, but they ain't offering over and beyond. Interesting Times!

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Tej_Intel/status/2008788415719063634?s=20 ---> India should actively pursue two parallel aero-engine programs in collaboration with two foreign OEMs. By the time these engines are ready, India is projected to be an US $8 – US $10 trillion economy - well positioned to absorb the costs. A comprehensive framework must be built including a pipeline of indigenous aircraft designed and developed around these two engines. China serves as a reference point, given the scale & variety of aircraft and variants they’re rolling out. But to reach that point, we need strategic foresight and commitment today.

https://x.com/Tej_Intel/status/2008796260971827469?s=20 ---> Many of us mistakenly believe that India’s $81 billion defence budget means we have that entire amount available for equipment purchases. Let me walk you through a heartbreaking breakdown of the budget - highlighting how much is actually left for procurement.

India’s defence budget stands at 6.81 lakh crore.

1) First, deduct 23% for pensions, that brings us down to 5.2 lakh crore
2) Next, subtract the revenue budget (used for salaries, maintenance, operations) - now we’re at 2.08 lakh crore.
3) Take out MoD civil expenses, and we’re left with a capital budget of ₹1.8 lakh crore, meant for new equipment.
4) Of this, around 30,000 crore goes into R&D, leaving us with 1.48 lakh crore.

Now here’s the biggest catch: 80% of the capital budget is already locked in for previously signed deals like the MQ-9Bs, C-295s, etc.

Bottom line: Just ₹30,000 crore (~ US $3.5 billion) is available for any "new" procurement. That’s all we’ve got to work with. That's all.

So NO. Our defence budget is not US $81 billion - it's US $3.5 billion.

https://x.com/Tej_Intel/status/2009188284996685877?s=20 ---> US $1.5 trillion - that's what the US military budget would be. This is the annual GDP of 120 countries combined and approximately one third of India's. China is the second nearest with an unofficial figure of $800 billion. Meanwhile our procurement budget is $3.5 billion.

[uddu]

https://x.com/i/status/2009486864743584091
@hindookissinger
There are 9+ Kaveri engine prototypes built by Godrej & Boyce that are lying somewhere in an HAL warehouse.

Someone has to get Modi's ear to approve to get that engine on an LCA airframe and begin testing immediately.

[Rakesh]

Big Boost For Atmanirbhar Defence: Rs 30,000-Crore Fighter Jet Engine Deal Nears PM-Led CCS Nod - Safran Set to Power India’s AMCA
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/big- ... -153400696
05 Jan 2026

The Safran deal for co-developing an engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is set for approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Modi.

^^^^^^^^^

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/2010617 ... 76226?s=20 ---> Safran DRDO 110+ kN engine project is with National Security Council (NSC) & Expenditure department of the Finance Ministry. after getting DAC clearance. CCS clearance is next big step for ₹30k crore project

[SRajesh]

A couple of questions to Gurus
1. this engine (110Kn Safran-Indian) who will hold the Intellectual rights/patency rights etc
2. Will the specifications be similar to the ones currently in use on the Tejas
3. Can they replace American ones during midlife upgrades (or will the aircraft needs serious re modifications)
4. and if mated with the Tejas frame will the aircraft be too powerful for a LCA or will it be upgraded MCA
5. Can the current Tejas airframe withstand higher powered engine

[Rakesh]

....

Paging Maitya-ji. Please see post above.

[uddu]

Cross posting from Tejas thread



https://x.com/i/status/2012916719480930727
@Rethik_D
#update
Kaveri will be Integrated with it's destined platform "LCA Airframe" work regarding that started last year itself.
(Based on my Interaction with scientist working in this program at conferences)

I'm requesting few pathogenic yappers to hold your horses until this touches the sky. This is very crucial step ,part of KDE-RPSA Program.

[pravula]

A couple of questions to Gurus

Not Maitya-ji, but will try to post some thoughts:

1. this engine (110Kn Safran-Indian) who will hold the Intellectual rights/patency rights etc
Both, but will depend on the agreement. Nothing is certain till its signed

2. Will the specifications be similar to the ones currently in use on the Tejas
We currently do not use any 110kn engines on Tejas. It is proposed on mk2, but thats vapourware at this point

3. Can they replace American ones during midlife upgrades (or will the aircraft needs serious re modifications)
Its similar to dropping in a new engine on to a modern car. It will need engine mount work, ecu change, airflow and exhaust mods, and potential hit/advantage in mileage and power

4. and if mated with the Tejas frame will the aircraft be too powerful for a LCA or will it be upgraded MCA
One can always detune an engine as needed. Pushing more power is the problem usually. With ECU, there will always be a limiter

5. Can the current Tejas airframe withstand higher powered engine
That not an issue. With modern ECUs, one can customize any power curve from a higher power to lower. It may not work the other way

[SRajesh]

^^Thank You Pravulaji

[uddu]

Cross posting from Tejas MK1A thread

Big- ये हुआ तो इतिहास बनेगा! Tejas + Kaveri Engine integration



The Gas Turbine Research Establishment is preparing the roadmap for a high-thrust variant of the Kaveri Derivative Engine that could emerge as a future indigenous replacement for the F404-GE-IN20 currently powering the Tejas Mk1A. Once the ongoing Kaveri Derivative Engine certification programme is completed, GTRE plans to initiate work on a new uprated core designed to deliver 55 kN of dry thrust, provided the required funding is sanctioned.

[Cybaru]

Came across this excellent thread on twitter that explores Kaveri first vs purchase. Worth engaging in..

https://x.com/BharatRakshak13/status/20 ... 5159112777

1/14 The Rafale vs Tejas debate misses the point entirely. The question isn't which fighter we buy. It's which engine we can build. Acquisitions are band-aids. Engine programs are SOVEREIGNTY.

[Jay]

Came across this excellent thread on twitter that explores Kaveri first vs purchase. Worth engaging in..

https://x.com/BharatRakshak13/status/20 ... 5159112777

1/14 The Rafale vs Tejas debate misses the point entirely. The question isn't which fighter we buy. It's which engine we can build. Acquisitions are band-aids. Engine programs are SOVEREIGNTY.

I think that twitter handle belongs to one amongst us from the forum.

[Kanoji]

I do not understand why the Government is not funding the Kaveri program to its fullest extent - for example flying test beds in India instead of depending on Russia.

Given the right political push and financing our engineers and technologists have excelled and created huge impact with indigenous solutions. Some examples are:

1. Denial of Cray for NCMRWF -> Param Supercomputers
2. Denial of tech for Cryogenic engines leading to indigenous development of the same
3. MAX and RAX from CDOT which revolutionized rural telecom connectivity
4. Development of ceramic brake drums for Mig-21's when the Soviets could not supply these reliably
5. LCA FBW HW/SW confiscated after 1998 Nuclear tests - It was re-develped from ground up and successfully integrated in LCA.
6. From an importer of heavy water India became an exporter of heavy water and became self sufficient in Tritium production.
7. Covaxin for Covid
8. Most recently out own UPI.

These are just some of the things that I could come up from the top of my head. I am sure there are more technologies that we have developed which are less glamorous than jet engines.

[Rakesh]

There is a vested group within the country that does not want India to develop her own turbofan. That group is funded via foreign interests that wants India to keep importing turbofans.

If you eliminate the impossible; whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

* 114 Rafale = $35 billion. Okay

* Engine Development = Too Costly

But let us blame Dassault for not giving us source code access, engine tech, Meteor, etc.

https://x.com/Neetivaan/status/2015390776990339101?s=20 ---> No one will help us as they see us as their competitor, we are alone in this. The day people at the top understand this will be the day we will see Indian Fighters flying with Indian engines.

[Tanaji]

...

Kanoji saab,

One answer is that in each of the above examples, we iterated. We built a small KN cryo engine and then a bigger one. UPI was gradually scaled up. Param series started out small in terms of FLOP speed.

Here the customer insists on a state of the art F414+ engine with flat rating and probably the same MTBF and service intervals of an engine with 15 year experience in the field. This is a high barrier and to add, has human safety in the mix. So the complexity increases further.

[Rakesh]

Decade Later, India-France Jet Engine Deal Hits Final Runway for Govt Clearance
https://www.livefistdefence.com/decade- ... clearance/
19 Jan 2026

[Kanoji]

...

Kanoji saab,

One answer is that in each of the above examples, we iterated. We built a small KN cryo engine and then a bigger one. UPI was gradually scaled up. Param series started out small in terms of FLOP speed.

Tanaji Sir,

The Kaveri program was approved in 1984 and funds released in 1989. 37 years have elapsed since then. I think that is enough time for iterative development of Kaveri - provided the project was given enough funds and adequate infrastructure in the country for testing and development. Even if the IAF was demanding gold plated greatest and bestest - we should have at least demonstrated Kaveri integrated in an LCA. In 37 years we have not even reached that stage.

If a technically semi-literate mango man like me can realize the importance of having an indigenous engine, I am sure the top echelons in our civil and military babucracy knew it.

[Cybaru]

Came across this excellent thread on twitter that explores Kaveri first vs purchase. Worth engaging in..

https://x.com/BharatRakshak13/status/20 ... 5159112777

I think that twitter handle belongs to one amongst us from the forum.

Ah ok - but they make excellent points all across - especially about "purchasing planes is depreciating vs. engine building capability is compounding" - hope they make this into an article.

[A_Gupta]

Tried to gain an understanding via AI: any comments?

For building a fighter jet turbofan engine, what technologies has India gained in the last two decades and what remains?

Quick Answer: India has made progress in indigenous turbofan development through the Kaveri engine program, gaining expertise in design, materials, and subsystems like compressors and combustors. However, it still lacks mastery in high-thrust core technologies such as advanced turbine blades, single-crystal alloys, high-pressure ratios, and reliable afterburner integration. This gap keeps India dependent on foreign engines for frontline fighters.

Technologies India Has Gained

Basic Turbofan Design & Architecture

Development of the GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri engine, including afterburning turbofan design principles.

Subsystem Development

Indigenous work on low-pressure compressors, combustors, and control systems.
Creation of marine and derivative versions (KMGT, KDE) for non-fighter applications.

Materials & Manufacturing

Progress in composite materials and thermal barrier coatings.
Experience with directionally solidified turbine blades (though not yet single-crystal).

Testing & Integration

Flight testing of Kaveri prototypes on testbeds and limited integration with UAV projects like DRDO Ghatak.

Collaborations

Partnerships with Safran (France) and other foreign firms to absorb know-how in hot-section technologies.

Technologies Still Missing

High-Thrust Core
India has not yet achieved 90–100 kN thrust class engines needed for modern fighters like Tejas Mk2 or AMCA.

Advanced Turbine Technology
Lack of single-crystal superalloys and blisk (integrated blade-disk) technology.
Difficulty in achieving high turbine inlet temperatures comparable to Western engines.

Afterburner Reliability

Kaveri’s afterburner failed to meet thrust requirements, leading to delinking from Tejas in 2008.

Test Infrastructure

India lacks state-of-the-art test facilities for endurance, altitude, and thermal stress testing.

Fuel Efficiency & Durability
Struggles with specific fuel consumption and long-term reliability compared to GE, Rolls-Royce, or Safran engines.

———

My thought is I would start with investing in the required test facilities. Technology development cycle is retarded without the ability to test.

[Kanoji]

Tried to gain an understanding via AI: any comments?

———

My thought is I would start with investing in the required test facilities. Technology development cycle is retarded without the ability to test.

In addition, I would add doubling down on our material science R&D based on what your AI search brought out.

[krisna]

https://www.ssbcrack.com/2025/01/why-in ... e-yet.html
Jan 2025 article

excerpts

Key Challenges in Developing Jet Engines
1) Technological Complexity: Jet engines are intricate machines composed of over 30,000 parts, requiring advanced metallurgy and precision engineering. The technology involved is closely guarded by leading nations, making it difficult for India to gain access to the necessary know-how and materials.

2) Historical Setbacks: The Kaveri jet engine program, initiated in 1986, was intended to power the Tejas fighter jet but has faced numerous delays and failures due to inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient testing facilities. This project remains emblematic of India’s broader struggles in jet engine development.

3) Infrastructure Limitations: India lacks the high-end manufacturing capabilities and testing facilities required for jet engine production. Critical components like single crystal blades and integrated blisk designs remain outside India’s current technological reach. Testing often has to be conducted abroad due to insufficient local resources.

4) Political and Economic Factors: Geopolitical tensions and sanctions have hindered technology transfers from other countries, particularly after India’s nuclear tests in 1998. This has limited collaboration opportunities with nations that possess advanced aerospace technologies.

5) Research and Development Gaps: There is a shortage of trained personnel and consistent R&D efforts in cutting-edge technologies related to jet engines. Projects often arise only when there is a specific requirement from the military, leading to sporadic development rather than a sustained focus on innovation.

6) Dependence on Foreign Engines: Currently, India relies on foreign engines like the GE F404 and F414 for its fighter jets, which restricts design flexibility and performance capabilities of its aircraft programs. This reliance continues to stymie efforts toward achieving self-sufficiency.

7) Furthermore, bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory constraints can impede progress. The aerospace sector in India is subject to various regulations that can slow down the development process. Streamlining these regulations and fostering a more conducive environment for innovation is essential for accelerating India’s jet engine manufacturing capabilities.

Modern jet engines require advanced materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Superalloys, composites, and ceramic matrix materials are commonly used in high-performance engines, but India currently lacks the capabilities to produce these materials in sufficient quantities.

Economic factors play a crucial role in the development of jet engine technology in India. The financial commitment required for research and development is immense, and without sustained investment, progress will be limited. While the Indian government has increased funding for aerospace initiatives, the scale of investment still falls short of what is needed to compete with established aerospace nations.

A skilled workforce is fundamental to the success of India’s jet engine manufacturing aspirations. As the aerospace sector grows, the demand for highly specialized engineers, researchers, and technicians will increase

India must enhance its educational programs in aerospace engineering and related fields. Collaborating with leading universities and institutions worldwide can help develop curricula that align with industry needs. Additionally, promoting internships and practical training programs can provide students with hands-on experience, preparing them for careers in aerospace.

I searched could not find this article posted.

I did read many have posted lot of details as above - in different posts .

[Tanaji]

Tanaji Sir,

The Kaveri program was approved in 1984 and funds released in 1989. 37 years have elapsed since then. I think that is enough time for iterative development of Kaveri - provided the project was given enough funds and adequate infrastructure in the country for testing and development. Even if the IAF was demanding gold plated greatest and bestest - we should have at least demonstrated Kaveri integrated in an LCA. In 37 years we have not even reached that stage.

If a technically semi-literate mango man like me can realize the importance of having an indigenous engine, I am sure the top echelons in our civil and military babucracy knew it.

We put in peanuts as funding and expect miracles as the output and then if by chance something does work, claim its miracle of Indian jhugaad. Unfortunately high technology items do not work that way, especially when the country’s technological base is backward on all fronts.

Having said that GTRE couldn’t get there - you can blame as per your interpretation: lazy work culture with no accountability or it’s a technical leap too far. GoI could have recruited aggressively from Russia or Indian origin scientists in metallurgical fields from outside. But there was neither the vision nor the drive. Couple this with a customer like IAF and here we are.

[A_Gupta]

^^^ compare to the funding for the space and missile programs. Yes, a one use rocket engine has very different requirements from a reliable fighter turbofan engine. But consider India’s means.

In 1989, India’s nominal GDP in current rupees was 4.25 lakh crores. The budgeted amount for Kaveri in 1989 was 382 crores. India’s nominal GDP in current rupees in 2024-25 was 331 lakh crores. At the same ratio, India should be able to afford 29,751 crores in current rupees for a turbofan engine development budget. That is a healthy chunk of change, even in current USD - $3.24 billion, I think. The point is that peanuts was all that India could afford in 1989.

What someone has to show is a plausible roadmap to get from here, whatever India’s current capabilities are, to there - the desired turbofan engine; and show the technical management chops like the doyens of the space, missile and nuke programs had; and I think if is credible, it will get funded. But a lot of broken promises with very precious ill-affordable money has created a credibility gap, I think.

(India’s space budget in 1989 was 422 crores.)

[Tanaji]

A_Guptaji

Perhaps we should take this to Kaveri thread. Do you know what amount was allocated to Kaveri in 2024-25? AI maharaj says:

Two projects for the Kaveri (KDE) were allocated in 2024–25: ₹472.42 crore (Flightworthy Kaveri Dry Engine Development) and ₹251.17 crore (Technology Demonstration of Kaveri Derivative 'Dry' Engine).

I don’t think this is right as it seems too low.

[Rakesh]

Perhaps we should take this to Kaveri thread.

Thank You Tanaji. Posts moved.

[ashthor]

It all comes down to funding and who controls it? So it is a deliberate attempt not to fund the engine.

[A_Gupta]

The political leaders, the bureaucrats, the Indian Air Force generally do not know what it takes for a multi year technology development project to succeed. It is the technocrat - probably not the right term - who has to convince them that the project will not be an endless drain on money. For that, their plan has to include definite milestones that prove real progress is made. Even so, the funding is an act of faith, a trust in the credibility of the technocrat. No milestones erodes credibility.

I wish we had professional historians writing here - but I will guess that DRDO had little credibility with the IAF, till APJ Kalam moved there from ISRO, and started getting success in the missile program. The mantra is simple, keep your credibility by adequate delivery of tangible results, and keep getting funding. Without a Sarabhai or Kalam or such to lay out such a plan just how engine capabilities will achieved, and all the markers of progress on the way, the money you want isn’t going to happen.