India has successfully developed its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class, marking a major milestone in defence technology, missile propulsion, and the country’s self-reliance initiative.

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• India achieved a significant defence milestone by developing its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class on 22 July 2026, strengthening domestic propulsion technology.
• The turbojet engine was designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and manufactured by Azad Engineering in Hyderabad.
• A turbojet engine generates thrust by compressing air, burning fuel, and expelling high-speed exhaust gases, making it suitable for missiles and high-speed unmanned defence platforms.
• Expendable turbojet engines are specifically designed for single-use or limited-use defence applications, including advanced missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles requiring sustained high-speed performance.
• Azad Engineering completed the manufacturing and assembly of the indigenous engine within approximately 24 months, demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in advanced aerospace manufacturing.
• The newly developed engine is expected to power naval anti-ship missiles, medium-range anti-drone systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and both air-to-air and air-to-surface missile platforms.
• Developing jet engine technology requires advanced metallurgy, precision engineering, stringent manufacturing standards, and exceptional reliability, making it one of the world’s most complex defence technologies.
• The indigenous turbojet engine strengthens the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependence on imported propulsion systems and enhancing India’s long-term defence manufacturing capabilities.