GTRE Unveils Domestic Turbo Jet Engine for UAVs

Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering has delivered the first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine of 350 kg thrust class to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, paving the way for India to field domestic jet engines to power tactical UAVs, subsonic cruise missiles and reconnaissance drones.

The Turbo Jet Engine was designed and developed by GTRE and Azad Engineering received a contract in May 2024 to manufacture and assemble the jet engine. The engine, delivered on 22 July to GTRE, reportedly produces 3.43 kN of thrust, enough to adequately power various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, subsonic cruise missiles like the Nirbhay, and anti-ship missiles.

Azad Engineering, selected by GTRE to mass produce the 350 kg class turbo jet engine, specialises in high-end and precision manufacturing of complex and critical systems and components deployed in aerospace, defence, oil and gas, and energy sectors.

Neither DRDO nor Azad Engineering detailed the engine’s specifications, range or intended real-world applications, but stated that the engine is expendable, which means it will be used for single, high impact missions such as destroying enemy infrastructure or systems.

The engine’s successful development, however, should not raise hopes for military enthusiasts who are keen to see the domestic Kaveri engine develop into a true fighter jet engine. The Kaveri, developed to power the IAF’s fighter fleet, could never deliver on the promise, achieving only 49kN to 52kN of thrust. The General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engine, which powers the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A jets, delivers up to 85kN of thrust in comparison.

The expendable turbo jet engine manufactured by Azad Engineering is a far cry from the kind of engines that power fighter aircraft, but it will help the country reduce its overseas dependence for propulsion systems for drones, combat UAVs, loitering munitions and a range of subsonic missiles. In the age of non-contact warfare, it is a big boost.