India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a major breakthrough in domestic defense technology with the development of the Manik engine, a small turbofan engine designed to power India's sub-sonic cruise missile initiatives.
Developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, the Manik engine signifies a leap forward in India's drive toward indigenous defense manufacturing. This achievement is further bolstered through a successful collaboration with Godrej, a private sector company undertaking the engine's production.
DRDO's extensive testing shows the Manik engine is ready for deployment across various platforms, including:
- Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles: DRDO has successfully tested ground-launched variants.
- Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles: Submarine-launched versions are currently undergoing testing.
- Air-Launched Cruise Missiles: Development of air-launched missiles is in progress.
- Ship-Launched Cruise Missiles: The Indian Navy is developing ship-based variants for enhanced naval capabilities.
