India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has successfully developed the country’s first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class, according to the Ministry of Defence. The engine is described as being realised and delivered to GTRE by Hyderabad-based industrial partner Azad Engineering on July 22. NDTV and the Free Press Journal report that DRDO had selected Azad Engineering for manufacturing and assembly of the engine, and that the successful delivery follows years of engineering and collaboration between DRDO’s scientific teams and Indian industry.
The Ministry of Defence says the engine is based on GTRE’s design and reflects advances in India’s propulsion technology capabilities. The report also notes that jet engine technology is complex and that only a limited number of countries master it, requiring precise engineering and manufacturing standards. The engine is handed over through formal interactions between Azad Engineering leadership and GTRE officials, and the programme is framed as a step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and self-reliance in advanced military technologies.