India Achieves Aerospace Milestone with Indigenous NJ100 Small Turbojet Engine for UAVs and Missiles

NEW DELHI | MARCH 18, 2026 — Marking a significant leap in indigenous aerospace propulsion, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced the successful development of the NJ100, a backpack-sized turbojet engine designed entirely in India.

Developed by scientists at the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), this compact powerhouse is capable of generating 100 kgf of thrust, specifically engineered to power Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors, and cruise-missile class platforms.

This technological breakthrough represents a critical stride toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defense sector, reducing reliance on foreign propulsion systems and significantly strengthening India’s strategic capabilities in advanced unmanned technologies and high-speed aerial platforms.