DRDO Develops Indigenous 350 kg Thrust Turbo Jet Engine, Boosting India's Defence Capabilities

In a significant milestone for India's aerospace and defence sector, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed the country's first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class.

The engine has been designed by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and marks a major step towards strengthening India's self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.

As part of the development programme, GTRE partnered with Azad Engineering, Hyderabad, for the manufacturing and assembly of the engine. On July 22, 2026,

Azad Engineering successfully manufactured, assembled and delivered the engine to GTRE, marking a landmark achievement for India's indigenous aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.

The successful delivery represents the culmination of years of research, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing and close collaboration between India's scientific institutions and private industry.

Officials described the achievement as a major boost to the country's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing, highlighting the growing capability of Indian industry to develop and produce critical aerospace technologies domestically.

The indigenous expendable turbo jet engine is expected to support future defence programmes while reducing dependence on imported propulsion systems and strengthening India's strategic capabilities.