India’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed significant advancements in the indigenous 180 HP diesel engine for the TAPAS UAV, achieving major milestones in 2024. This high-specific-power engine is set to replace the current foreign-made engine, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Tactical Airborne Platform for Advanced Surveillance (TAPAS), also known as Rustom-II. With 650 hours of Beta Engine Design Validation testing completed, the integration into the R-II AF-9 airframe has demonstrated successful ground runs and communication with the UAV’s Ground Control Station. The Indian Air Force and Navy have expressed interest in an Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System variant of TAPAS, reflecting a strategic shift towards self-reliance in military aviation technology and reducing dependency on foreign systems.