CSIR Unveils Three Indigenous Micro Gas Turbine Engines for Defence Use

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) unveiled three indigenously developed micro and small gas turbine engines in New Delhi on August 25 — the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100, generating 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg of thrust respectively.

India's Ministry of Science and Technology said the engines were developed to meet requirements for indigenous defence technologies, with applications in tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, drone interceptors and compact missile systems.

CSIR Director General Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, who is also Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, said the indigenous development of such specialised propulsion systems marks an important milestone for "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in aerospace engineering.

CSIR-NAL Director Dr. Abhay A. Pashilkar said the laboratory is serving as a multi-stage integrator for India's growing drone ecosystem, and that Indian industry, including its expanding aerospace start-up sector, has the potential to manufacture the engines at scale for the country's defence needs.