The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is advancing plans for an indigenous 90kN jet engine to enhance the Tejas MkII program, supported by Godrej Aerospace. GTRE aims to boost the current Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE) thrust from 49kN to 60kN through extensive upgrades to 56 modules, with a focus on optimizing air compression and high-pressure turbine cooling. This engine is designed for India’s unique climatic conditions, promising stable performance without the thrust degradation seen in imported engines like the F-414. The initiative aligns with India’s self-reliance strategy in defense technology and is expected to significantly bolster the combat capabilities of the Tejas MkII, enhancing maneuverability and supercruise capabilities, thus reinforcing India’s defense posture.