Defence Minister Reviews Progress Of Indigenous Military Gas Turbine Engine

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today visited the Gas Turbine Research Establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation in Bengaluru and reviewed the progress of ongoing projects related to indigenous military gas turbine engine development.

Interacting with scientists and officials, Mr Singh emphasised the importance of achieving self-reliance in aero engine technology in view of the evolving geopolitical landscape. He said indigenous development of critical technologies is essential to ensure national security and strategic autonomy. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he noted that the Armed Forces had demonstrated growing self-reliance in defence capabilities with the use of indigenous communication systems, surveillance equipment and weapons.

He stressed the need to develop next-generation and advanced technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and advanced materials, particularly in the context of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme.

He also pointed to the dual-use potential of high-temperature composite technologies being developed, which could benefit civil aviation, power generation and space sectors. Mr Singh called for building a robust national ecosystem to achieve self-reliance in aero engines and underscored that technological advancements in defence can contribute to broader economic growth.(updated on 16th feb 2026)