SOURCE: AFI
The ongoing development of the Kaveri Engine Derivative (KDE), a critical project under the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) aimed at powering India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, continues to underscore the nation’s reliance on imported materials despite significant strides in self-reliance. A recently disclosed material procurement list for the GTRE-KDE project reveals that while domestic suppliers like Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) contribute substantially, key components still depend on foreign sources, posing challenges to achieving full indigenization under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The procurement data, detailing materials for the KDE project, indicates a total requirement of 16,496 kilograms of raw materials, with 4,124 kilograms sourced from imports. Among the critical items, L-605 Round Bars and Sheets & Plates, essential for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications, are entirely imported, totaling 1,650 kilograms. Similarly, 130 Tubes, including specialized grades like OD 6, OD 10, OD 12, and OD 12D, are also imported, amounting to 38 kilograms. These imported materials, often high-strength alloys and exotic metals, are vital for the KDE’s performance as a derivative of the Kaveri engine, originally designed to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Domestically, MIDHANI supplies a significant portion of the materials, including 8,130 Round Bars across various grades (S130, S132, S80) and 5,260 kilograms of Sheets & Plates (S426 and S90). These materials, made from advanced alloys like Titanium Aluminide (TA) and Nickel-Chromium (NC) compositions, meet stringent aerospace standards. For instance, S130 Round Bars, weighing 6,934 kilograms, and S426 Sheets & Plates, at 3,750 kilograms, are produced locally, reflecting MIDHANI’s growing capability in manufacturing aerospace-grade metals. However, the reliance on imported L-605 and specialized tubes highlights gaps in India’s domestic metallurgical ecosystem, particularly for niche alloys required in high-performance jet engines.
The KDE project, an evolution of the Kaveri engine that faced delays due to performance and material challenges, aims to deliver a 81-95 kN thrust engine for future Indian fighters, including potential applications in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The engine’s development has seen progress, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) partnering with French firm Safran to enhance its design. However, the procurement list suggests that achieving the desired thrust and reliability hinges on imported raw materials, which could impact timelines and cost-effectiveness. The imported components, often subject to global supply chain disruptions and export restrictions, pose a strategic vulnerability for a project critical to India’s defense autonomy.
Industry experts note that while MIDHANI has made strides in producing alloys like TA (with 90-180 MPa strength) and NC (with 25-75 MPa), the absence of domestic alternatives for L-605—a cobalt-based superalloy used in extreme conditions—remains a bottleneck. The imported materials, sourced through global suppliers, are likely to include high-cost items that could inflate the project’s budget, estimated at over Rs 10,000 crore. This dependency contrasts with the project’s goal of reducing foreign reliance, a key pillar of India’s defense manufacturing policy.
The GTRE-KDE team is reportedly exploring long-term solutions, including collaborations with private Indian firms and technology transfers to develop indigenous alternatives to imported alloys. However, until such capabilities are established, the project’s progress will remain tethered to international supply chains. The upcoming tender for these materials, expected to be floated soon, will further clarify the extent of import reliance and the IAF’s strategy to balance cost, quality, and indigenization.
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