The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a strict directive to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), mandating the final certification of the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine by 2026. This...

To meet the 2026 deadline, the GTRE is preparing for a rigorous testing campaign.

A key phase involves high-altitude trials in Russia, where the engine will be mounted on an Ilyushin Il-76 flying testbed.

These trials are essential to validate the engine’s performance, restart capabilities, and stability in the thin air and freezing temperatures of high-altitude flight—conditions the Ghatak will face during operational sorties.

India is handing Russia access to engines it desperately needs for war.