India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 350 kg class expendable turbojet engine and a rotating detonation engine [1].
These propulsion systems aim to reduce India's reliance on foreign engine technology. By creating indigenous powerplants, the country seeks to enhance the speed and range of its missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The new 350 kg class turbojet is designed as an expendable unit [1]. This type of engine is typically used in cruise missiles and kamikaze drones, where the engine is destroyed along with the platform upon impact. Such a development allows for more flexible deployment of long-range strike capabilities without the cost of permanent aircraft engines.
In addition to the turbojet, the DRDO demonstrated a rotating detonation engine providing five kN of thrust [1]. Rotating detonation technology differs from traditional combustion by using a supersonic detonation wave that travels around a circular channel. This method can potentially offer higher efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratios than conventional engines.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to secure domestic aerospace capabilities. While the current focus includes missiles and drones, the agency is also working toward larger aviation goals. A first homegrown fighter jet engine was expected by 2025 [3].
The development of these engines supports the integration of future launch-vehicle stages and advanced drone fleets. By mastering both turbojet and detonation-based propulsion, the DRDO is expanding the technical options available for various mission profiles, from low-cost loitering munitions to high-speed interceptors.
“India's DRDO has developed a 350 kg class expendable turbojet engine.”
The shift toward indigenous propulsion marks a strategic move to eliminate supply chain vulnerabilities during conflicts. By developing both expendable turbojets for mass-produced drones and high-efficiency rotating detonation engines, India is diversifying its military hardware capabilities to match modern electronic and kinetic warfare requirements.
