The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a Bengaluru-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting Indian industry to establish domestic manufacturing infrastructure for indigenous aero gas turbine engines. The initiative aims to transition laboratory-developed designs into flight-ready hardware and create sustained in-country production capability.
In the tender documents, GTRE has sought a Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) from the private or public sector. The selected entity will be responsible for converting GTRE’s detailed engine designs into certified, airworthy components and assemblies, covering both development support and long-term manufacturing.
The EoI is linked to the Advanced High Thrust Class Engine (AHTCE) programme, which is intended to power future Indian combat aircraft, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-2. The AHTCE is being developed in the 110–130 kilonewton thrust class to meet propulsion requirements of next-generation platforms.
Under the outlined manufacturing scope, the DcPP will fabricate approximately 2,300 distinct aero-engine components, amounting to more than 23,000 individual parts across multiple engine builds. The partner will also assemble and integrate 11 major engine sub-systems spanning the full propulsion chain from intake to exhaust, including compressors, combustion chambers, turbines, afterburners, accessory gearboxes, and associated control systems. GTRE will retain design authority, while the partner will oversee process engineering, tooling, quality assurance, and repeatable production.
GTRE has specified that participating firms must possess or establish dedicated infrastructure for advanced aero-engine manufacturing. Required capabilities include precision multi-axis machining, high-temperature metallurgy, single-crystal turbine blade production, super-alloy castings, non-destructive testing, materials characterisation, and sub-system level testing.
The development plan calls for delivery of 18 test engines over a 10-year validation period. Following this phase, the selected partner must demonstrate the ability to scale up to serial production of at least 200 engines, aligned with future aircraft induction schedules.
The tender schedule sets a bid submission deadline of 26 March 2026, with technical bids scheduled to open on 27 March 2026. Eligibility is restricted to Indian entities, including Indian-registered joint ventures with foreign original equipment manufacturers, subject to control and compliance requirements. Shortlisted respondents will receive a detailed Request for Proposal outlining contractual terms, cost structures, and programme milestones.
The EoI marks a structured effort by GTRE to integrate industrial partners early in the design and validation cycle to facilitate the transition from prototype engines to series manufacture.
GTRE is a laboratory under DRDO focused on the design and development of aero gas turbine engines for military aircraft applications.
