India unveiled its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust category on July 22, 2026 — a major milestone in propulsion technology and Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing. Expendable turbojet engines are designed for single-use applications — primarily in cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Until now, India was dependent on imported engines for this category. The development was spearheaded by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, in partnership with private sector firms. This breakthrough reduces India's vulnerability to import restrictions in critical defence technologies.
Economy
India Develops First Indigenous Expendable Turbojet Engine in 350 kg Thrust Category — Milestone in Propulsion Technology
Key Points
- India unveiled its first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust category on July 22, 2026 — a major milestone in propulsion technology and Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing
- Expendable turbojet engines are designed for single-use applications — primarily in cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Until now, India was dependent on imported engines for this category
- The development was spearheaded by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, in partnership with private sector firms
- This breakthrough reduces India's vulnerability to import restrictions in critical defence technologies
📋
📎 Read original source ↗Exam Note
• India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine: 350 kg thrust; unveiled July 22, 2026 • Expendable turbojet: single-use; used in cruise missiles, loitering munitions, small UAVs • Developed by: DRDO GTRE (Gas Turbine Research Establishment), Bengaluru + private sector • Significance: ends import dependency; Aatmanirbhar Bharat; reduces strategic vulnerability
