In a significant step towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace propulsion, India’s largest aerospace research lab CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) today unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines. 

The three new engines are - NJ-05 with 5- kg thrust, NJ-50 with 50-kg thrust, and NJ-100 with 100-kg thrust.

Developed to address critical requirements in indigenous defence technologies, these compact propulsion systems are envisaged for applications including in tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors and compact missile systems, an official release issues by the Ministry of Science & Technology stated.

The event, held at the CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi brought together senior leadership from India’s defence and scientific communities. 

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, emphasised the strategic importance of developing advanced gas turbine engine technologies within the country. 

He observed that indigenous capabilities in such critical technologies would strengthen national security and enhance the technological self-reliance of the Armed Forces.

Dr Abhay A. Pashilkar, Director, CSIR-NAL, highlighted the laboratory’s evolving role as a multi-stage integrator for the country’s growing drone ecosystem. 

The Indian industry, including the rapidly expanding aerospace start-up ecosystem, has the potential to manufacture these advanced engines at scale to meet the requirements of the Indian defence sector, he said.

The CSIR-NAL scientific team, led by R. Prathapanayaka, made a detailed technical presentation on the development of the gas turbine engines. The presentation highlighted the advances in high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion technologies that have enabled the development of these indigenous propulsion systems.

“The successful development of the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 represents an important step towards building an indigenous ecosystem for the design, development and manufacture of miniaturised gas turbine propulsion systems. 

“Together with emerging domestic manufacturing capabilities, these technologies are expected to contribute significantly to India’s growing UAV, drone and defence aerospace ecosystem,” the Ministry of Science & Technology said.