Indigenous Manik Engine Proves its Mettle in Recent Long-Range Cruise Missile Test by DRDO

India achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology with the successful test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) yesterday.

This test was particularly noteworthy as it featured the indigenously developed Manik engine, marking a breakthrough for domestic missile propulsion systems.

The Manik engine, a product of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a high-performance turbofan engine specifically designed for cruise missiles.

Currently manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace at a rate of 12 units per year, this compact engine represents a significant leap forward in India's ability to produce critical components for long-range precision weaponry.

This successful test has several strategic implications for India. Firstly, it reinforces India's growing stature as a defence technology powerhouse, capable of developing and producing advanced weapon systems. By integrating the Manik engine into the LRLACM, India reduces its dependence on foreign suppliers, a crucial factor in ensuring strategic autonomy.

Secondly, the use of the Manik engine offers a cost-effective solution compared to importing foreign engines. This allows for greater investment in other indigenous defence projects and contributes to the affordability of the LRLACM program. This aligns with India's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defence production.

However, challenges remain. Scaling up production of the Manik engine to meet the anticipated demand for the LRLACM and other potential applications will require further investment and streamlined manufacturing processes. Currently, the production rate of 12 engines per year may prove to be a bottleneck.

Looking ahead, the Manik engine has the potential to be adapted for use in a variety of missile platforms, including short-range ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles. This versatility could position the Manik engine as a cornerstone of India's missile development programs, further enhancing the country's deterrence capabilities.

 

[R. Singh]

DRDO should develop 1800 km to 2500 km range cruise missile with hyper sonic glide vehicle on its tip !

 

[Sathish Kumaram]

I think Manik engine is developed by ISRO..may be GTRE adopted it on Missile.
GTRE has not done any great work in this..this is ISRO's baby.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

"The manik can be potentially used in short-range ballistic missiles"... Wow, never heard of that.

The only way to increase production is to give it to a private industry. There is one such industry that makes turbine blades for engines and sells to France in India.

 

[Upendranath Awasthi]

Any way it is progress.

 

[Akshat]

Didn’t know that Brahmos is manufacturing it. If that’s the case, it means 49% of the profits go to Russia. And that is only possible if Russia is giving some major tech for it. So Manik is not our engine but basically a Russian engine?

 

[Ravi Krishna Iyengar]

Combat engine development is a very intricate, strenuous and complicated task. GTRE is the single point of source appointed by the GoI. Enough money has been spent on OEMs like SAFRAN who only wanted to build their coffers. Excellent propulsion engineers have retired from GTRE without much glory. IAF has a permanent post of Gp Capt at GTRE for the last 20 years without any serious contribution. IAF permanently seconded an Officer who also picked up Air Marshal rank over 25 years and retired without much contribution. We are stuck at the K-10 version of Kaveri and the FTB results from Russia. This list thread has to be regained with a core team from GTRE , IAF, Academia, Industry and headed by a senior MoD Secy level officer with a Steering Cmte at the RM level for next 5 years. Otherwise this programme will not see the light of Day.