New Delhi: India has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of aerospace and defence technology with the successful development of the country’s first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class.
The advanced engine has been designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). For manufacturing and assembly, GTRE selected Azad Engineering, Hyderabad, as its industry partner.
On July 22, 2026, Azad Engineering successfully realised and delivered the indigenous turbo jet engine to GTRE, marking a landmark achievement for India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. The accomplishment represents years of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and close collaboration between India’s scientific and industrial communities.
Jet engine technology is considered among the most complex engineering disciplines globally and is mastered by only a limited number of countries. It requires cutting-edge expertise in high-precision manufacturing, advanced metallurgy, and stringent quality standards.
The successful delivery of this sophisticated engine, based on DRDO’s indigenous design, highlights the growing technological capabilities of India’s defence industry and strengthens the country’s journey towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
The engine was formally handed over by CEO of Azad Engineering Shri Rakesh Chopdar to Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Aeronautical Systems) Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon and Outstanding Scientist and Director, GTRE Dr. S. V. Ramanamurty.
Defence Secretary, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated the GTRE–industry partnership, stating that the collaboration has played a crucial role in converting a technological vision into a historic milestone for India’s defence manufacturing sector.
The achievement is expected to further strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities and support the development of advanced defence systems in the future.