India has joined an elite group of nations with advanced propulsion capabilities following the successful development of its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine.
The engine was designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a laboratory under India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering was responsible for its manufacturing and assembly.
Azad Engineering delivered the turbojet engine to GTRE this month, marking a significant milestone in India's efforts to establish advanced indigenous aerospace propulsion capabilities.
During the handover ceremony, Azad Engineering CEO Shri Rakesh Chopdar formally presented the engine to Director General of Aeronautical Systems Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon and GTRE Director Dr. S.V. Ramanamurty.
The delivery represents the culmination of years of collaboration between India's defence research organisations and industrial partners to develop a domestically produced expendable propulsion system.
The engine belongs to the 350-kilogram thrust class and features a pointed aerodynamic air intake with compressor blades positioned around the front section.
Based on available imagery analysed by The Defense Post outlet, the engine incorporates a compact cylindrical design with side-mounted structural fittings intended to simplify integration across a range of platforms.
Its casing consists of multiple metal rings secured by densely arranged perimeter bolts, a configuration designed to withstand the high internal pressures generated during operation.
With this achievement, India joins a select group of countries capable of developing and manufacturing advanced turbojet engines domestically.
The other nations with indigenous capabilities include China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Türkiye has also made significant progress in this field, unveiling its 42,000 lbf-class Güçhan turbofan engine back in May.
By Nazrin Sadigova
