India develops first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in major DRDO milestone

New Delhi, July 24: India has achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence technology with the successful development of the country's first expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class. The engine was designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).

 

 

According to the Ministry of Defence, the engine was successfully manufactured and delivered to GTRE by Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering on July 22. The achievement marks a significant step towards strengthening India's self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defence technologies.

 

GTRE had selected Azad Engineering as its industry partner for the manufacturing and assembly of the engine. The ministry said the successful delivery is the result of years of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing and close collaboration between DRDO and the Indian defence industry.

 

Jet engine technology is considered one of the most complex fields of engineering and is currently mastered by only a few countries. It requires advanced metallurgy, high manufacturing standards and exceptional precision. The ministry said the successful development of the engine highlights the growing capabilities of India's defence manufacturing sector.

 

 

 

The engine was formally handed over by Azad Engineering Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Chopdar to DRDO's Director General (Aeronautical Systems), Dr K. Rajalakshmi Menon, and GTRE Director Dr S.V. Ramanamurty.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated GTRE and Azad Engineering for the achievement. He said the partnership between the two organisations played an important role in turning the vision of an indigenous expendable turbojet engine into reality.