CSIR-NAL unveils indigenous micro gas turbine engines for UAVs, drones and missiles

New Delhi, Aug 25. The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has unveiled three indigenously developed micro and small gas turbine engines as part of efforts to strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced aerospace propulsion and reduce dependence on imported technologies.

The engines – the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 – deliver thrust of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg respectively. Developed for potential defence applications, the compact propulsion systems are intended for use in tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors and small missile systems.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, was the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony held at the CSIR headquarters in New Delhi on August 25.

CSIR-NAL Director Abhay A Pashilkar said the laboratory was taking on a larger role in integrating technologies for India’s expanding drone ecosystem. He said domestic companies, including aerospace startups, had the potential to manufacture the engines on a larger scale to meet the requirements of the armed forces.

The engines were developed by a CSIR-NAL team led by R Prathapanayaka. A technical presentation at the event outlined advances in high-speed turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion that enabled the development of the three propulsion systems.

CSIR Director General and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Secretary N Kalaiselvi welcomed the development, saying the indigenous production of specialised propulsion subsystems represented an important milestone in the country’s drive towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) in aerospace engineering.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh stressed the strategic importance of developing advanced gas turbine technologies domestically, saying indigenous capabilities in critical propulsion technologies would contribute to national security and strengthen the technological self-reliance of the armed forces.

CSIR-NAL said the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 collectively mark a step towards establishing a domestic ecosystem for designing, developing and manufacturing miniaturised gas turbine propulsion systems.

The engines, coupled with India’s expanding aerospace manufacturing capabilities, are expected to support the country’s growing UAV, drone and defence aerospace sectors.