The quest for self-reliance in India's aerospace sector has reached a crucial milestone. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a Bengaluru-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released a formal Expression of Interest (EoI).
The goal is to collaborate with Indian industries to create a robust domestic manufacturing base for aero gas turbine engines.
This ambitious move aims to transition advanced engine concepts from experimental laboratories into certified, flight-worthy reality, while simultaneously fostering a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem within the country.
This initiative goes far beyond simple procurement. It is a strategic effort to weave manufacturing capabilities directly into the design and development phases.
By doing so, the DRDO ensures that the shift from a working prototype to a fully operational engine is an integral part of the engineering process from day one, rather than a subsequent challenge.
This approach aligns closely with recent directives from the Ministry of Defence; notably, during a February 2026 visit to GTRE, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged scientists and industry partners to aggressively compress traditional engine development timelines to just five to seven years to meet urgent strategic needs and look toward sixth-generation technologies.
The Development-cum-Production Partner Model
Central to this new strategy is the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) framework.Through Tender ID 2026_DoDR_827463_1, GTRE is looking for a primary Indian industrial partner—from either the private or public sector—capable of handling both engineering maturation and eventual mass production.
The chosen entity will collaborate closely with GTRE to turn intricate designs into airworthy systems that comply with strict aviation certification protocols.
This partnership is directly linked to the Advanced High Thrust Class Engine (AHTCE) initiative, marking India's most significant push into indigenous aircraft propulsion to date.
The AHTCE is intended to power upcoming combat aircraft, specifically the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-2. This marks India's vital step into the high-thrust category necessary for heavy, next-generation stealth fighters.
By integrating manufacturing planning alongside the initial development, this framework aims to eliminate the typical delays experienced between a successful design and large-scale industrial scalability—a hurdle that has historically stalled domestic engine projects globally.
Massive Industrial Scope
The scale of work outlined in the EoI is immense.The selected industrial partner will be tasked with manufacturing approximately 2,300 distinct aero-engine components, which translates to over 23,000 individual pieces across various prototype builds.
Furthermore, the partner will be responsible for integrating 11 critical propulsion sub-systems that dictate the engine's operational capabilities.
These complex assemblies cover the entire engine cycle, including compressors, combustion chambers, turbine stages, afterburners, and sophisticated electronic control systems.
While GTRE will maintain the ultimate design authority, the industrial partner will take charge of process engineering, quality assurance, tooling strategies, and establishing reliable, repeatable production workflows.
Timelines and Infrastructure Requirements
The programme's long-term roadmap mandates the delivery of 18 developmental engines over a ten-year testing and validation period.This phase will pave the way for serial production, with an initial target of at least 200 engines to match the induction schedules of future stealth fighter squadrons.
To achieve this, GTRE has set high standards for manufacturing infrastructure. Participating companies must either possess or commit to building state-of-the-art facilities.
This includes capabilities for:
- Advanced multi-axis machining
- The production of single-crystal turbine blades
- Super-alloy casting
- High-temperature metallurgy
A Technological Leap for India
From a technical standpoint, the AHTCE represents a massive upgrade for India's defence capabilities.Operating in the 110–130 kilonewton thrust range, it is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of modern stealth aviation.
This includes the ability to "supercruise" (sustained supersonic flight without the heavy fuel consumption of an afterburner), carry heavier weapons payloads, and execute highly maneuverable operations while maintaining a low radar profile.
This new engine class significantly outpowers the current propulsion systems used in India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet.
It is a definitive leap forward, demonstrating India's resolve to master the complex thermal, material, and aerodynamic technologies required for modern air dominance.
Next Steps and Evaluation
The deadline for EoI submissions is March 26, 2026, after which technical evaluations will immediately commence.Participation is strictly limited to Indian-controlled companies, though joint ventures involving foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are permitted if they meet national regulatory and ownership standards.
Responding firms must showcase a proven track record in high-precision aerospace manufacturing and strict adherence to military quality controls.
Those shortlisted will then proceed to a comprehensive proposal stage to define contractual details, cost architectures, and project milestones.
