Latest news with #UCAV
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Kaveri Engine Gets New Lease Of Life As Government Approves Rs 723 Crore For Derivative Engine
New Delhi: The Central government has approved Rs 723.59 crore for two projects under the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE) programme, which aims to power India's future unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), informed Parliament on Friday (25 July). In a written response to BJP MP Tejasvi Surya in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth announced the sanction of two key KDE projects. These include the 'Flightworthy Kaveri Dry Engine Development' with a budget of 472.42 crore, and 'Technology Demonstration of Kaveri Derivative 'Dry' Engine' costing ₹251.17 crore. The Kaveri Derivative Engine is a non-afterburning version of the original Kaveri engine initially developed for the Tejas fighter but repurposed for unmanned aircraft after the original engine did not meet thrust requirements. The dry variant is expected to produce thrust in the range of 49 to 51 kiloNewtons. Minister Seth also highlighted that the Defence Ministry has been allocating significant funds for indigenous defence technology research and development. Over the past three years, projects worth more than Rs 29,550 crore have been sanctioned to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). To foster innovation, DRDO has set up 15 DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoE) across the country at institutions such as IISc Bangalore, various IITs, and Central and State Universities. These centres support focused research for developing new defence and security technologies. Additionally, DRDO labs have opened several high-quality test facilities for industry use, along with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to facilitate this collaboration. DRDO has also launched the Technology Development Fund (TDF) to financially support Indian industries in designing and developing innovative defence products.
India.com
22-07-2025
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get ‘flying warrior', name is CATS warrior, it will complete mission without…
Home News Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get 'flying warrior', name is CATS warrior, it will complete mission without… Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get 'flying warrior', name is CATS warrior, it will complete mission without… It can be launched from an airbase and go deep into the enemy's territory and complete the mission. New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has designed a special drone called Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior. According to sources, this unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV) is ready for its first low-speed taxi trial soon. CATS Warrior has been designed in such a way that it can attack the enemy in conjunction with fighter jets. This drone will be able to gather information about the enemy, keep surveillance and carry out strike missions on its own. When was this UCAV displayed? This drone was first shown at Aero India 2025 this year. It is expected that it will also take its first flight by the end of 2025. NewSpace Research and Technologies is also working with HAL in this project. Big countries of the world like America, China and Russia are also making similar drones. Now India is also moving rapidly towards making its Air Force more powerful with this technology. What are the features of CATS Warrior? The CATS Warrior UCAV is an unmanned fighter drone which can complete the mission remotely or on its own. It can support a piloted aircraft by dodging the enemy's radar or attacking in advance. It is fitted with Swarm technology in which many such drones can fly together in a swarm, and mislead the enemy's system. It can do both espionage (ISR), surveillance and precision bombing. It has a stealth design hence it's very difficult to detect it by enemy's radar. According to initial information, its operation range is up to 700 kilometers, which can be increased further. High precision It can be launched from an airbase, and it can go deep into the enemy's territory and complete the mission. Its range will depend on which missile or bomb it will be equipped with. CATS Warrior is capable of carrying 100 (44 kg) to 150 pounds (68 kg) of bombs or electronic warfare (EW) pods. This means that apart from jamming enemy's radar system, it can also bomb with precision. What weapons can it carry? This drone will have an internal weapon bay, in which weapons like Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and Next Generation Close Combat Missile (NGCCM) will be fitted. It will attack the enemy with hidden weapons while avoiding radar in the air. It will be fitted with light weight smart bombs and stand-off missiles capable of hitting the target even from a distance of 100-200 kilometers. Staying away from the fighter jet, this drone can destroy the enemy's target without going close. India's 'flying companion' CATS Warrior UCAV will be operated by connecting it with modern fighter aircraft like India's Tejas LCA and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. This technology will provide the ability to carry out precise and deep attacks on enemy targets without endangering the life of the pilot. It is being called India's 'flying companion'. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on
India.com
31-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan China, Turkey as India is developing not only stealth fighter jet but 5th generation...
Bad news for Pakistan China, Turkey as India is developing not only stealth fighter jet but 5th generation.... The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is currently testing the Kaveri jet engine in Russia. Defence officials have told news agency ANI that the testing of this jet engine is in its final stages. Plan To Use The Engine In UCAV As per reports, only 25 hours of testing of the engine is left. The engine will be ready after the Russian authorities give it the green signal following all the tests. Officials told ANI that India is planning to use the Kaveri engine in its long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). HAL Is Preparing CATS Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior. It is a 5th-generation unmanned wingman drone which is designed to work in conjunction with fighter jets. This drone is designed to perform a variety of tasks during combat missions. Will Keep Aircraft Pilots Away From Dangers The Indian Air Force's CATS system is designed to protect its aircraft and pilots by enabling the targeting and neutralisation of enemy air defences. The Mission Will Be Accomplished In Collaboration With AMCA The Combat Air Teaming System will carry out missions in coordination with the indigenously built 5th-generation stealth fighter plane AMCA. These CATS warriors will play a crucial role in eliminating the enemy's radar systems and missile launchers.
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First Post
29-05-2025
- First Post
Why Kaveri jet engine's trials in Russia are a big boost for India's defence
The trials of the indigenous Kaveri jet engine are reportedly underway in Russia. Developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is a low bypass, twin spool turbofan engine. Originally meant for the fighter aircraft Tejas, it has been repurposed to power the long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) read more India is carrying out trials of the indigenous Kaveri jet engine in Russia. Reports on Tuesday (May 27) said that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was conducting the trials of the engine that could be used to power the long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Initially planned for the fighter aircraft Tejas, the Kaveri engine will now power Made in India UCAVs. There has also been a renewed interest in the public about the homegrown engines in the wake of Operation Sindoor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look. What's Kaveri engine? The Kaveri engine is a low-bypass, twin-spool turbofan engine. Developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the engine has 80 kilonewtons (kN) thrust. The Kaveri project kick-started in the 1980s to power the domestic fighter aircraft Tejas. The engine has a flat-rated design to minimise thrust drop due to high-speed and high-temperature conditions. 'Twin lane full authority digital engine control with an adequate manual backup is a salient design feature of the Kaveri engine,' as per the DRDO. From Tejas to Ghatak The Kaveri engine could not be used for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas due to various challenges, including the engine's inability to reach the required thrust-to-weight ratio. There were also problems in high-temperature metallurgy and afterburner performance and reliability. International sanctions on India after the 1998 nuclear tests also hit the project. After Kaveri failed to power Tejas Mk1, India had to resort to the American-made GE F404 engine for the fighter jet. India also lacked testing facilities for such engines and had to rely on Russia, which led to scheduling delays and restricted flexibility, as per News18. The project appeared to be abandoned by 2014. However, a collaboration with the French firm Safran in 2016 breathed life into the engines again. The Kaveri engine has 80 kilonewtons (kN) thrust. Image Courtesy: DRDO The Kaveri engine has been repurposed for Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles, like the Ghatak stealth drone. As per a EurAsian Times report, the latest Kaveri engines feature advanced materials, aerodynamics, and cooling technologies for enhanced performance. It is likely to generate 48 kN of dry thrust, while DRDO plans to incorporate an afterburner to raise thrust to 73–75 kN if needed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Kaveri core engine – Kabini – has a high-pressure compressor, combustor and high pressure turbine for 'demonstrating hot end parts technology and study the aero-mechanical behaviour of high-pressure spool' of the engine, according to DRDO. It is classified as a fifth-generation engine. Why Kaveri engine's trials matter India 's premier defence research agency is conducting trials of the Kaveri engine in Russia, ANI reported, citing defence officials. The trials will showcase the performance of the engine in real flight conditions, including its reliability, endurance, and integration with aircraft systems, as per Mathrubhumi. About 25 hours of testing remained, with dependency on the slots provided by Russian authorities. On whether the Kaveri engine will power the LCA, the officials told the news agency that it could be used to power an LCA aircraft to see its capabilities. Recently, X users have been calling on the government to allocate more funds and resources for the Kaveri engine, with 'Fund Kaveri Engine' becoming the top trend on X Monday (May 26). This comes against the backdrop of India's tensions with Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last December, GTRE announced that the Kaveri engine had been cleared for in-flight testing. The development happened after rigorous testing of the engine, including high-altitude simulations in Russia. The Kaveri engine is a big boost to India's push for self-reliance in defence technology. It will reduce the country's reliance on foreign engine suppliers and support its aerospace ambitions. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No more decade-long wait: India eyes stealth 5th-gen stealth drone fighter to strike enemy air defences and save pilots' lives
CATS Warrior CATS can detect, track and shoot down aircraft from long distances Features include stealth, AI and coordinated missions Live Events You Might Also Like: #FundKaveriEngine trend gains traction as India sends its indigenous fighter jet engine for testing in Russia Key design and stealth features AMCA will act as mothership to unmanned Warriors Push for indigenous defence technology Kaveri engine's future role Reducing dependence on imports You Might Also Like: India's 5th-gen stealth fighter jet project gets greenlight as AMCA programme enters execution phase Planned use in indigenous combat drones Multiple combat roles and return capability Role in modernising Indian Air Force (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is conducting trials of the indigenous Kaveri jet engine in Russia, with plans to use it in an upcoming Indian long-range Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), defence officials told ANI. The engine is in the final stages of testing, with around 25 hours of trials remaining. These remaining trials depend on the availability of test slots provided by Russian authorities. Officials confirmed the Kaveri engine is being considered for the indigenous UCAV project currently in development. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, a fifth-generation unmanned wingman drone. It is designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets and perform multiple roles during combat missions. The CATS system help air force to target and destroy modern enemy air defences while keeping pilots and expensive aircraft out of danger. The CATS Warrior will work closely with India's upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter , the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ), by taking on high-risk missions and carrying out air strikes against radar systems and missile CATS Warrior drone was unveiled at Aero India 2025, while the Kaveri engine is undergoing trials in Russia. Together, they represent India's effort to strengthen its self-reliance in aerial defence systems and reduce dependence on foreign systems can detect, track and shoot down aircraft from long distances. Sending a manned aircraft into such heavily defended areas is risky and expensive. Instead, India plans to use the Warrior drone to fly ahead, strike targets like radar stations and missile batteries, and reduce the exposure of human pilots and advanced CATS Warrior is designed with a low radar signature to avoid detection and is built to survive in enemy's airspace. Its compact size and stealth design make it suitable for missions that require avoiding radar and surface-to-air CATS Warrior features stealth capabilities, internal weapon bays, and advanced avionics. The structure is built using composite materials, and its shape is designed to lower radar visibility. The drone can carry a mix of weapons, including precision-guided bombs, anti-radiation missiles, and electronic warfare systems to jam enemy radar. It also has the ability to fly in groups or 'swarms' to overwhelm defences with coordinated using secure data links and artificial intelligence, the Warrior can operate alongside the AMCA and other platforms in real-time. This networked approach allows it to receive mission updates, share intelligence, and coordinate with both ground control and other includes a single serpentine air intake and twin engines, inspired by drones like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat and XQ-58 Valkyrie, to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce radar cross-section. The drone is equipped with an electro-optic infrared payload, AESA radar, and electronic jamming systems. It can carry two short-range or beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles externally, and two DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons AMCA, which is still under development, is planned to serve as a command-and-control aircraft for the Warrior drones. Rather than exposing itself to enemy fire, the AMCA will direct multiple drones from a safer interest in the Kaveri engine has increased recently, partly due to social media campaigns urging the government to #FundKaveri. Originally, the engine was developed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, but delays led to the use of American GE-404 engines the GE-404 remains the primary engine for the current LCA variants, officials noted that there are plans to install the Kaveri engine on one LCA aircraft to showcase its is also exploring options to develop a more powerful engine for future aircraft, such as the Mark 2 version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). According to officials, discussions are ongoing with companies in France, the UK, and the US. A decision is expected in the near push to develop indigenous fighter jet technology aims to reduce reliance on foreign defence imports. Programmes like LCA Mark 1A, LCA Mark 2, and AMCA are key elements of this strategy. By integrating locally developed technologies such as the Kaveri engine, India plans to create self-sustaining defence capabilities for its air Kaveri engine is expected to power the same indigenous UCAV programme in which the CATS Warrior may play a part. The engine project was originally developed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) but faced delays, leading to the use of imported GE-404 CATS Warrior can be used for scouting, absorbing enemy fire, and attacking targets. It can also return to base after completing its mission, enhancing sustainability. Designed as a 'loyal wingman,' the drone can carry out missions up to 700 kilometres from its CATS Warrior is part of HAL's broader effort to integrate manned and unmanned systems. It is expected to improve mission effectiveness and reduce risks to pilots. The project aims to support the Indian Air Force's future operational capabilities in line with global trends in unmanned warfare.
