SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s defence sector, Rajnath Singh’s Research and Development Advisor, Shri Sanjay Seth, undertook a comprehensive visit to key DRDO laboratories, including GTRE, ADE, LRDE, and ADA. The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of ongoing projects related to gas turbine engines, radars, and aerial platforms.
Seth expressed profound appreciation for DRDO’s unwavering commitment to propelling the nation towards self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in critical defence technologies. A particular highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a brand new Dry Kaveri engine, a testament to DRDO’s advancements in engine technology.
It is pertinent to note that DRDO initiated the procurement of a new Dry Kaveri engine in February this year to expedite developmental trials for the 12-ton Unmanned Stealth Fighter Bomber program. Until now, older Kaveri engines had been repurposed as testbeds for the Dry Kaveri engine development. The newly acquired engine will be subjected to rigorous ground-based testing, and subsequently, integrated with an afterburner section for flight testing on the LCA-Tejas Trainer.
GTRE is seeking further funds for development of Kaveri 2.0 which will be a 90kN engine that might be used on the Tejas Mk1A program if permitted.