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Kaveri dry engine clears Russia trials at 48.5 kN, next step Ghatak UCAV integration

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India’s indigenous Kaveri dry engine has completed high-altitude and flight trials in Russia, recording peak dry thrust of 48.5 kilonewtons against a target of about 46 kN. Defence reports on Wednesday said the milestone clears a key step before the engine can move toward integration with the planned Ghatak stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle.

Kaveri dry engine clears Russia trials at 48.5 kN, next step Ghatak UCAV integration
A jet engine turbine; India’s Kaveri dry engine hit 48.5 kN in Russia trials.

From fighter project to UCAV propulsion

The non-afterburning Kaveri Derivative Engine, developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment in Bengaluru, is a dry version of the original Kaveri programme once intended for a manned fighter. After that requirement slipped, GTRE redirected the technology toward platforms that do not need afterburner thrust — chiefly Ghatak, an autonomous stealth UCAV meant for deep-strike and suppression roles.

Military jet aircraft displayed inside a large hangar
A military jet in a hangar; aero-engine self-reliance remains a long-term Indian priority.
Dark-coloured military drone on an open runway
A military UAV on a runway; the Kaveri dry engine is meant for the Ghatak stealth UCAV.

The Russia trials tested altitude and flight conditions needed for airworthiness work. Officials say the next stages are certification by CEMILAC, further ground runs and eventual airframe integration. Engineers will also validate inlet matching, thermal margins and control software before any captive carriage tests. Operational induction of Ghatak is still projected roughly for 2030–32, subject to programme schedules and budgets.

Why the milestone matters

India remains heavily dependent on imported engines for combat aircraft. A working indigenous dry engine for a stealth drone would narrow that gap and deepen design experience across materials, controls and high-temperature components — even if a full afterburning fighter engine remains years away. The effort also supports wider Atmanirbhar goals in aero-engines.

Aerospace vehicle model mounted in a testing environment
An aerospace test model; certification and integration still lie ahead for Ghatak.

What to watch

Defence planners will track whether the 48.5 kN reading holds through certification and how Ghatak’s airframe timeline aligns with engine availability. Programme details are in The Economic Times. Related coverage includes our report on SpaceX Starship’s first orbital flight.

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2 thoughts on “Kaveri dry engine clears Russia trials at 48.5 kN, next step Ghatak UCAV integration”

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