First indigenous 350-kg-thrust expendable turbojet engine developed
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DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment designed India’s first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class. Industry partner Azad Engineering, Hyderabad manufactured and assembled the engine and delivered it to GTRE on 22 July 2026, the Defence Ministry said.
- Released
- 23 Jul 2026, Ministry of Defence
- Designer
- DRDO Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE)
- Thrust class
- 350 kg
- Industry partner
- Azad Engineering, Hyderabad
- Delivery
- 22 Jul 2026
India’s first indigenous expendable turbojet engine: what happened?
Expendable turbojet engines typically power cruise missiles and target drones. Jet-engine know-how is held by only a handful of nations. This delivery is presented as proof that Indian design and private manufacturing can meet that bar for an expendable class.
- The engine was handed over to DRDO’s aeronautical systems leadership and the GTRE Director.
- The Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman complimented the GTRE-industry partnership.
What is an expendable turbojet?
- An engine built for one-way or limited-life use, typically on cruise missiles or target drones, rather than a reusable manned aircraft.
Why does India’s first indigenous expendable turbojet engine matter?
- Defence: Cuts import dependence for a niche but strategic engine class.
- Industry: Private partner realised a DRDO design.
What can Prelims ask on India’s first indigenous expendable turbojet engine?
- First indigenous expendable turbojet: 350 kg thrust class; GTRE design; Azad Engineering manufacture; delivered 22 Jul 2026.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-07-23): DRDO's GTRE developed India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine of 350 kg thrust, with Azad Engineering as manufacturing partner.
- Engine self-reliance is a major gap.
Quotable data pointDRDO's GTRE developed India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine of 350 kg thrust, with Azad Engineering as manufacturing partner.
PIB: Defence: indigenous turbojet engine, 23 Jul 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: GTRE.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine of 350 kg thrust class was designed by
Answer (b) & explanation
Defence Ministry, 23 Jul 2026.
Questions students ask about this
Who designed the 350 kg thrust expendable turbojet?
DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
Who manufactured and delivered it?
Azad Engineering, Hyderabad, on 22 July 2026.
What thrust class is the engine?
350 kg.
Keep studying
Official source: PIB: Defence: indigenous turbojet engine, 23 Jul 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending