- On July 22, 2026, India achieved a significant milestone in the field of defense technology by developing its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust category.
- The engine was designed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), while its manufacturing and assembly were carried out by the Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering.
- This achievement is considered a crucial step towards strengthening the nation's indigenous propulsion technology and advancing the development of sophisticated defense systems.
- The project also exemplifies successful collaboration between defense research institutions and the private sector. Azad Engineering completed the manufacturing of the engine and handed it over to GTRE within a span of approximately 24 months.
- The handover ceremony, held on July 22, 2026, was attended by Rakesh Chopra, Founder and CEO of Azad Engineering; Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon, Director General (Aeronautical Systems) and Distinguished Scientist at DRDO; and Dr. S. V. Ramanamurthy, Director and Outstanding Scientist at GTRE.
- The development of this indigenous engine is viewed as a significant move towards fostering self-reliance in India's defense sector and reducing dependence on imported propulsion systems.
- Furthermore, such public-private partnerships could prove instrumental in accelerating the pace of defense production, encouraging the development of indigenous technologies, and further strengthening the role of the private industry in the future.
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