Indigenous Turbojet Advances India’s Defence Goals

Over forty years after India began its drive to create a homegrown fighter jet engine, the successful development and handover of the nation’s first indigenous 350kg thrust-class expendable turbojet marks a major technological breakthrough.

Conceptualised and engineered by the Bengaluru-based Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) — a leading lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — the country’s first expendable turbojet has been produced and supplied by Hyderabad-headquartered Azad Engineering.

Landmark for Indigenous Turbojet Technology

Designed as a single-use, short-life turbojet for mission-specific roles, the engine is suitable for tactical cruise missiles, anti-ship weaponry, and long-range loitering munitions.

This indigenous capability is expected to cut reliance on foreign suppliers for vital aerospace propulsion technologies.

While the engine is not meant for fighter aircraft, defence specialists view it as a significant stride toward mastering advanced gas turbine technologies.

Engine development remains one of aerospace engineering’s toughest challenges and has long kept India dependent on overseas vendors despite notable progress in aircraft manufacturing.

Collaboration Between DRDO and Azad Engineering

In contrast to earlier propulsion initiatives that were largely restricted to research labs and state-run production units, the new engine has been manufactured by Azad Engineering — a firm globally recognised for precision rotating components supplied to aerospace leaders such as GE Aerospace, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Siemens Energy.

Industry observers note that moving from producing turbine blades and critical components to assembling a complete indigenous engine signals a key shift for India’s private defence sector.

"This partnership is clearly visible now and goes well beyond the supply of a 350-kg engine.

"It proves that Indian industry can now deliver fully integrated propulsion systems meeting aerospace-grade benchmarks," said Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (retd), former director general of the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies.

"The next priority should be advancing indigenous aero-engine capabilities to produce 110-kN or 120-kN class engines," AVM Golani added.

The Kaveri Programme’s Legacy

"For India to eventually build its own fighter jet engines, it must ensure sustained funding and structured programme management — similar to what has been achieved in space missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan — with clear timelines and accountability," AVM Golani said.

GTRE has led India’s aero-engine research efforts since the 1980s, beginning with the ambitious Kaveri engine project.

Originally intended to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), later named Tejas, the Kaveri turbofan aimed to position India among a select group of nations capable of designing and producing indigenous fighter engines.