India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, has officially launched a major initiative to develop an indigenous advanced high-thrust class aero engine in collaboration with the Indian industry partners. The move represents a significant push toward self-reliance in critical military propulsion technology, a long-standing strategic gap in India’s defence ecosystem. Under this new programme, GTRE has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking qualified Indian defence and aerospace companies to act as a Development- cum- Poduction Partner. The selected partner will be responsible for transforming detailed engine design data into flight-ready activities, covering parts manufacturing through assembly, system integration, and final engine build-up, in accordance with assembly, testing, and certification standards.
The initiative aims to establish a national industrial ecosystem capable of supporting the complete lifecycle of advanced military aero gas turbine engines, including long-term sustainment and quality assurance. The scope of work includes the manufacturing and assembly of major engine modules such as compressors, turbines, combustors, exhaust systems, and quality-critical subsystems like fuel, oil, including actuation systems, and digital engine control units. Strategically, this programme moves India away from its historical dependence on foreign suppliers for jet engine technology. This challenge has persisted for decades, exemplified by the long-running Kaveri engine project and recent efforts involving foreign collaborations for next-generation fighters.
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GTRE will remain the design authority, while the chosen industry partner will build deep industrial competence in aero-engine production, inspection, quality control, and certification. They are designed to progressively mature partner culpability, with the first engines expected several years after contract finalisation. By adopting a structured, through-hashed execution model, DRDO aims to create a sustainable propulsion ecosystem that can eventually compete with global engine houses, a major milestone in India’s quest to secure advanced aviation propulsion autonomy.
