First Indigenous 350 kg Thrust Class Expendable Turbojet Engine Developed
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has successfully developed India's first indigenous 350 kg thrust class expendable turbojet engine. The engine was handed over by industry partner Azad Engineering on July 22, 2026, marking a major milestone for India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.
Background
Jet engine technology is mastered by very few countries and is considered one of the most advanced engineering fields, requiring high precision, advanced metallurgy, and strict manufacturing standards. This achievement demonstrates India's growing technological capabilities in defence manufacturing.
Key facts
First indigenous expendable turbojet engine of 350 kg thrust class developed by DRDO's GTRE.
Engine designed by GTRE and manufactured by Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering (industry partner).
Handed over to GTRE on July 22, 2026 by Azad Engineering CEO Shri Rakesh Chopdar.
Received by Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon (DG Aeronautical Systems) and Dr. S.V. Ramanamurthy (Director GTRE).
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the GTRE-industry partnership.
Jet engine technology requires high precision, advanced metallurgy, and strict manufacturing standards.
Only a few countries have mastered jet engine technology.
Prelims pointers
- DRDO
- Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE)
- Azad Engineering (Hyderabad)
- Expendable turbojet engine
- 350 kg thrust class
- 22 July 2026
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of indigenous development of jet engines for India's defence self-reliance.
- Analyze the role of DRDO and industry partnerships in advancing aerospace technology.