Azad Engineering to Construct Fully Integrated Advanced Turbo Engine for DRDO

Hyderabad-based precision engineering firm, Azad Engineering Limited (Azad), has clinched a significant contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to serve as a production agency for engines developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru.

GTRE, the flagship engine-design laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has faced challenges in designing and developing high-powered aero engines, exemplified by the Kaveri gas turbine. The Kaveri, intended to power the supersonic Tejas Mark 1 fighter, has failed to meet its thrust requirements of 85 kiloNewtons (kN).

Under the newly awarded long-term contract, Azad will be tasked with manufacturing and assembling an Advanced Gas Turbine Engine (AGTE). This engine is slated to power various defence applications, including the Kaveri turbofan engine for the Tejas fighter, the marine gas turbine engine (MGTE) for future Indian Navy vessels, and a gas turbine engine for the Indian Army's tank and infantry combat vehicle (ICV) fleet.

Azad is set to commence deliveries of the first batch of fully integrated engines by early 2026.

India has a track record of developing advanced engine designs using indigenous technology. Azad Engineering faces the challenge of translating these exceptional designs into engines capable of delivering the required output or fulfilling critical mission objectives.

With this contract, Azad Engineering expands its operations into three verticals: power, aviation, and defence, in addition to oil and gas. Rakesh Chopdar, the head of Azad Engineering, expressed confidence in the company's ability to produce fully assembled advanced turbo engines, stating, "Our commitment to excellence positions us well to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities and establish a strong presence in the country's defence manufacturing landscape. These enhancements will enable us to serve a new era of defence applications."

Azad specializes in manufacturing complex and highly engineered precision forged and machined components, many of which have stringent defect requirements, aiming for "zero parts per million" defects.

BS