India’s ambitious quest to develop indigenous aero-engine technology has achieved a significant milestone with the succcessful realisation of the first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine of 350-kg thrust class, designed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), and assembled and manufactured by Hyderabad-based aerospace entity, Azad Engineering.  

On July 22, 2026, the engine was successfully realised and delivered to GTRE by Azad Engineering, a landmark achievement for India's aerospace and defence ecosystem, the Defence Ministry announced in an official statement. 

“The delivery marks the culmination of years of precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and close partnership between India's scientific and industrial communities,” the MoD statement noted.

GTRE had identified Azad Engineering, Hyderabad as the Industry partner for the manufacturing and assembly of the 350-kg thrust class engine. 

Mastered by only a handful of nations, jet engine technology is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated engineering disciplines in the world, demanding exceptional precision, advanced metallurgy, and uncompromising manufacturing standards. 

“Delivery of such complex system based on the design of DRDO reflects the growing technological capabilities of the Indian Defence Industry,” the Defence Ministry said.

The indigenous engine was handed over to Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Aeronautical Systems), Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, and Outstanding Scientist and Director GTRE, Dr SV Ramanamurty, by the CEO of Azad Engineering, Rakesh Chopdar.

Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh complimented the partnership between GTRE and the industry which has been instrumental in transforming the vision into a historic milestone.