CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) on Tuesday unveiled three indigenous Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced aerospace propulsion and unmanned defence technologies.
The three engines – NJ-05 with 5 kg thrust, NJ-50 with 50 kg thrust and NJ-100 with 100 kg thrust – have been developed to meet critical requirements in indigenous defence technology. The compact propulsion systems are envisaged for applications in tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors and compact missile systems.
The engines were unveiled at the SSB Auditorium at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from India’s defence and scientific establishments. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), attended the event as the chief guest.
CSIR-NAL Director Dr Abhay A. Pashilkar said the laboratory is evolving into a multi-stage integrator for India’s expanding drone ecosystem. He highlighted the potential of Indian industry, including the country’s growing aerospace start-up sector, to manufacture the engines at scale for the requirements of the Indian defence sector.
A technical presentation by the CSIR-NAL scientific team, led by R. Prathapanayaka, outlined the development of the three gas turbine engines. The presentation highlighted advances in high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion technologies, which have enabled the development of the indigenous propulsion systems.
CSIR Director General and DSIR Secretary Dr N. Kalaiselvi commended the project team and described the indigenous development of highly specialised and critical propulsion subsystems as an important milestone in advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace engineering.
Unveiling the engines, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh underlined the strategic importance of developing advanced gas turbine engine technologies within India. He said indigenous capabilities in critical technologies would strengthen national security while enhancing the technological self-reliance of the Armed Forces.
The development of the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 is expected to help establish an indigenous ecosystem for the design, development and manufacture of miniaturised gas turbine propulsion systems.
With India’s unmanned aerial and defence technology ecosystem expanding rapidly, the availability of domestically developed compact propulsion systems could support the country’s efforts to build greater indigenous capability in UAVs, drones, drone interception systems and compact missile platforms.
CSIR-NAL said the engines, together with emerging domestic manufacturing capabilities, are expected to contribute to the growth of India’s UAV, drone and defence aerospace ecosystem and create opportunities for Indian industry to participate in the production of advanced propulsion technologies.
