A deep dive into DRDO’s Kaveri Engine, the trending #FundKaveri movement, and what it means for India’s defence self-reliance in 2025
India's social media is witnessing a surge in support for a powerful new hashtag: #FundKaveri. But this isn’t just another fleeting online trend. It reflects a growing public push for indigenization in India’s defence sector, centered around an ambitious and long-standing project the Kaveri Engine, a jet propulsion system developed by DRDO.
What Is the Kaveri Engine?
The Kaveri Engine Project was initiated in the 1980s by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with a bold aim: to develop an indigenous turbofan jet engine for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme particularly the Tejas fighter jet.
But despite significant progress, the project was halted in 2014 due to technical limitations in achieving the required thrust for fighter-class jets. However, with new partnerships and technological advancements, the dream of powering Indian jets with Indian engines is making a comeback.
Why Is #FundKaveri Trending in 2025?
The online movement gained traction after defence enthusiasts and policy influencers called on the government to revive funding for the Kaveri engine, highlighting its strategic significance. Several recent developments have brought the project back into the national conversation:
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Tejas Mk2 and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), India’s 5th-gen stealth fighter, are in development both could benefit from an indigenous engine.
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The Geopolitical pressure to reduce dependence on foreign defence suppliers is at an all-time high.
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The global arms ecosystem is increasingly favoring countries with independent R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
Why the Kaveri Engine Matters for India's Defence Future
India currently depends on foreign jet engines like GE’s F404 and F414 from the U.S. for its combat aircraft. While partnerships exist (e.g., the recent GE-HAL joint production deal), true self-reliance comes from mastering core technologies like jet propulsion.
Reviving and upgrading the Kaveri Engine project could offer:
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Strategic autonomy in aerial combat
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Massive cost savings over time
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Export potential for allied nations
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Job creation in the aerospace sector
Is the Technology Viable Now?
Recent reports suggest that the Kaveri engine though not yet suitable for fighters is close to being viable for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), especially for India’s Ghatak stealth drone.
Moreover, DRDO’s collaboration with global players, especially the Safran Group from France, has opened new doors. India could co-develop upgraded variants or even build a Kaveri Mark II with global benchmarks in thrust and performance.
The rising #FundKaveri campaign reflects more than public sentiment it signals a shift in how India views its defence future. Citizens are actively participating in conversations around technology, sovereignty, and national security.
While critics argue that the Kaveri project has cost the exchequer nearly ₹2,000 crore with limited results, others believe that no cost is too high for strategic independence.
Final Thoughts
The Kaveri engine isn't just about jets it's about India deciding to build, own, and fly with its own power. In a world of increasing geopolitical volatility, projects like these are not luxuries but necessities.
With the government’s renewed focus on defence indigenization under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and public pressure mounting online, 2025 might be the year Kaveri finally takes off not just in the labs, but in the skies.
#Kaveri #FundKaveri #India #Defence2025
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