In a significant move towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace propulsion, CSIR-NAL unveils three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines with thrusts ranging from 5 kg to 100 kg. The event is graced by senior leadership from India’s defence and scientific communities.
On August 25, 2026, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) unveiled three indigenous Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines – NJ-05 with 5 kg thrust, NJ-50 with 50 kg thrust, and NJ-100 with 100 kg thrust. The event took place at the SSB Auditorium, CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi. These engines are designed to address critical requirements in indigenous defence technologies, primarily for applications including tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors, and compact missile systems.
The gathering included senior leadership from India’s defence and scientific communities. Dr (Smt) N Kalaiselvi, Director General (CSIR) & Secretary (DSIR), Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VM, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Abhay A. Pashilkar, Director, CSIR-NAL, highlighted the laboratory’s evolving role as a multi-stage integrator for the country’s growing drone ecosystem. He emphasised that Indian industry, including the rapidly expanding aerospace start-up ecosystem, has the potential to manufacture these advanced engines at scale to meet the requirements of the Indian defence sector.
A technical presentation by the CSIR-NAL scientific team, led by Shri R. Prathapanayaka, detailed the development of the gas turbine engines. The presentation highlighted the advances in high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion technologies that have enabled the development of these indigenous propulsion systems.
Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, commended the collaborative efforts of the project team. She underscored that indigenous development of such highly specialised and critical subsystems marks an important milestone in advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace engineering.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
