Hyderabad: India has successfully developed its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class, marking a significant milestone for the country’s aerospace and defence manufacturing base.Designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the engine was manufactured and assembled by Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering, which was selected as the industry partner for the programme. The engine was realised and delivered to GTRE in a period of around 24 months.The system was handed over by Azad Engineering founder & CEO Rakesh Chopdar to Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, distinguished scientist and director general of aeronautical systems at DRDO, and Dr SV Ramanamurty, outstanding scientist and director of GTRE.Officials said the engine, developed in about 24 months, converts DRDO’s design into a flight-ready propulsion system using superalloys and precision manufacturing processes.Expendable turbojet engines of this class can support applications including naval anti-ship missiles, medium-range anti-drone systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and air-to-air and air-to-surface missile platforms for the armed forces.Jet engine technology is considered among the most demanding areas of engineering, requiring advanced metallurgy, tight tolerances and high reliability.Defence officials said the achievement demonstrates the growing ability of Indian industry to manufacture complex systems designed by national laboratories.Chopdar said it was a proud moment for every citizen of the country that the country no longer has to look for any support from any nation to develop propulsion systems going forward. “We have the capability to realise and manufacture any engine systems, be it past or upcoming programmes, to serve the country. This is nothing but a great step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in engine technology,” Chopdar said.Defence secretary , secretary of defence R&D and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh lauded GTRE and Azad Engineering for their fruitful collaboration that helped turn a long-standing objective into a historic milestone.The capability is expected to support future propulsion programmes, including next-generation combat aircraft and missile projects too, he said.
