Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bengaluru on 16 February 2026 to review ongoing projects related to indigenous military gas turbine engine development. The minister was briefed on projects under development, collaboration with Indian industry, academia and research institutions, and support extended to the defence forces.
Interacting with scientists and officials, Singh underscored the importance of achieving self-reliance in aero engine technology in the current geopolitical environment. “Supply chains are breaking and new ecosystems are developing. Nations possessing indigenous critical technologies will remain safe, secure, and sustain themselves,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to self-reliance in aero engine development.
He described aero engine development as a complex endeavour integrating thermodynamics, material science, fluid mechanics and advanced mechanical engineering. Noting that developed nations often take 25–30 years to develop next-generation engines, he urged Indian scientists to compress timelines. “We must assume that 20 years have already passed and we now have only 5–7 years left,” he said.
During the visit, Singh viewed an exhibition showcasing indigenous engines and their components and witnessed a full afterburner engine test of the Kaveri engine. He reviewed the status of programmes linked to aero engine technology, including development efforts aligned with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Singh also called for a focus on next-generation technologies, including sixth-generation engines, and emphasised the increasing use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and new materials in engine development. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he stated, “Whether it was communication systems, surveillance equipment, or attack weapons, everything was indigenous,” and added that there is a need to focus more on indigenous methods and provide world-class systems and equipment to the armed forces.
The minister noted that GTRE has undertaken a joint study with the United Kingdom for aero engine development and has initiated a similar process with France under the National Aero Engine Mission. He said these collaborations would help India access new technologies and understand long-term development challenges faced by partner nations.
He also highlighted the dual-use potential of high-temperature composites being developed at GTRE, citing possible applications in civil aviation, power generation and the space sector.
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation focused on the design and development of aero engines for military applications.
