India Develops First Indigenous Expendable Turbojet Engine

India realised its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class on 22 July 2026. The engine was designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and manufactured and assembled by Azad Engineering of Hyderabad.

Turbojet Engine

A turbojet engine is a gas turbine engine that produces thrust by compressing air, burning fuel, and expelling high-speed exhaust gases through a nozzle. Expendable turbojet engines are built for single-use or limited-use applications, including missiles and unmanned systems.

Development and Industrial Partnership

Azad Engineering delivered the engine to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment in about 24 months. The handover took place on 22 July 2026 between Rakesh Chopdar, founder and chief executive officer of Azad Engineering, Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Aeronautical Systems at DRDO, and Dr S V Ramanamurty, Outstanding Scientist and Director of GTRE.

Applications in Defence Systems

The engine is intended for naval anti-ship missiles, medium-range anti-drone systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and air-to-air and air-to-surface missile platforms. Turbojet propulsion is used in several missile classes because it supports compact design and sustained high-speed flight.

Important Facts for Exams

• GTRE functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation and works on gas turbine propulsion systems.
• Azad Engineering is based in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Jet engine technology requires advanced metallurgy, tight tolerances, and high reliability.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat is a Government of India initiative linked with self-reliance in strategic sectors.

Strategic Context

Jet engine development remains a specialised field mastered by only a few countries. India’s indigenous expendable turbojet engine adds a domestic option for propulsion systems used in defence platforms.