India’s CSIR-NAL Unveils NJ100: Backpack-Sized Turbojet for UAVs & Missiles

India’s CSIR-NAL has unveiled the NJ100, a backpack-sized indigenous turbojet engine delivering 100 kgf (≈1 kN) thrust, designed for UAVs, loitering munitions, drone interceptors, and compact cruise-missile platforms — a major leap in self-reliance for aerospace propulsion.

What makes this especially notable is the indigenous development: India has historically relied on foreign suppliers for small turbojet engines, so this represents a leap in self-reliance for defense and aerospace applications. It also opens doors for dual-use technologies — think high-speed drones for civilian surveillance, disaster response, or even experimental aviation projects.

Key Highlights of NJ100

NJ100 Turbo Jet 

• Developer:CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL)
• Thrust Rating:100 kgf (~1 kN)
• Size:Backpack-sized, highly portable
• Applications:UAVs, loitering munitions, drone interceptors, compact cruise missiles
• Unveiled By:Dr. R. Prathapanayaka, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NAL
• Date of Launch:March 2026
• Strategic Importance:Reduces reliance on imported propulsion systems

Why NJ100 Matters

• Indigenous Breakthrough:First-of-its-kind domestic solution
• Defense Readiness:Enables faster deployment of UAV fleets and missile systems
• Cost Efficiency:Local production lowers procurement costs
• Dual-Use Potential:Civilian drones, disaster-response UAVs

Technical & Strategic Context

Feature	NJ100	Typical Imported Small Turbojets
Thrust	100 kgf (~1 kN)	80–120 kgf range
Origin	Indigenous (CSIR-NAL)	European/US suppliers
Size	Backpack-sized	Similar, but heavier
Applications	UAVs, loitering munitions, compact missiles	UAVs, cruise missiles
Strategic Value	Self-reliance, cost savings, rapid deployment	Import dependency, higher costs

Risks & Challenges

• Scaling Production:Requires industrial partnerships
• Integration Testing:UAVs and missile systems must validate reliability
• Export Controls:Restrictions may apply for exports
• Competition:Global players dominate small turbojet markets

A jet engine the size of a backpack — engineered in India.

Dr R Prathapanayaka, Chief Scientist,@CSIRNALOFFICIAL, introduces the NJ100, an indigenous small turbojet engine delivering 100 kgf thrust for#UAVs, drone interceptors and compact cruise-missile class platforms.

A…pic.twitter.com/dBTn2XxNoO

— CSIR, India (@CSIR_IND)March 16, 2026

GPS Renewables and CSIR-NCL Launch NG SAF: An Indigenous Ethanol-to-SAF Technology

GPS Renewables, one of the leading global full-stack, renewable oil & gas companies offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects, has partnered with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) to develop a first-of-a-kind commercial-scale production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from ethanol. The same technology can be used to produce SAF from methanol as well.

As part of the partnership, GPS Renewables will invest in developing technology based on a patented catalyst from CSIR-NCL. The technology will enable one-step oligomerization of ethylene and other olefins – a process where small molecules are joined together to form larger molecules that emulate Aviation Turbine Fuel. Multiple players have demonstrated the Ethanol-to-Jet Fuel process at lab scale, but commercial-scale production has remained elusive.

With a license to the CSIR-NCL technology, GPS will engineer a commercial-scale plant under the project brand NG SAF. This partnership aims to demonstrate the first commercial-scale Ethanol-To-Jet plant. GPS Renewables holds the exclusive rights to commercialize this technology.

Currently, SAF is produced on a commercial scale primarily through the HEFA pathway (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), which uses feedstocks like Used Cooking Oil (UCO) or animal fats. In India, large-scale HEFA production is not a feasible solution due to the lack of an organized UCO collection system and FSSAI restrictions on importing UCO. These feedstock challenges make it difficult to scale SAF production through the HEFA route in India, thereby highlighting the need for an alternative, home-grown technology that can boost SAF production. Ethanol from 2G biomass is expected to be a key product of the Indian agri-biomass ecosystem, and this will be the feedstock for the CSIR-NCL-GPS SAF production.

Commenting on the collaboration, Gomatam Ravi, CTO, GPS Renewables, said, “We are thrilled to partner with CSIR-NCL to build an indigenous and breakthrough SAF technology that can position India as a leader in SAF production. At GPS, we have always prioritized technology that can fast-track India’s transition to clean energy, and this collaboration reflects that commitment. While many have demonstrated the process at lab scale, none have succeeded in producing SAF from Ethanol at an industrial scale. With NG SAF, we aim to change that. We are confident that with our expertise in scaling cleantech solutions and CSIR-NCL’s scientific backing, we can deliver an indigenous and industrially viable SAF solution to the world.”

Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, said, “One of our core strengths at CSIR-NCL lies in working closely with industry leaders to transform disruptive ideas into commercially deployable solutions. Scientific research, when coupled with industry collaboration, can create promising solutions to address global challenges. This indigenous technology, named NG SAF, based on CSIR-NCL’s patented oligomerization process, can be a game-changer to decarbonize the aviation sector. GPS Renewables’ proven track record and extensive experience in clean fuels make them an ideal partner to take this innovation from the lab to the market.”

Mainak Chakraborty, Co-Founder and CEO, GPS Renewables, highlighted the importance of the team behind the program, saying “The technical advisory team to the NG SAF project is a thing of dreams, including Dr. Anjan Ray, (Former Director UOP and Former Director of Indian Institute of Petroleum), Dr. Arvind Lali, (Retired Professor from ICT Mumbai), Dr. Ashish Lele, (Director NCL), Gomatam Ravi, (Former Head of Shell Technology Center), Dr. Samir Chikkali (Humboldt Fellow and Faculty at NCL), and several others. GPSR has an engineering team of 120 people, adding up decades of experience from the likes of Petrofac, Petronas, Technip, Toyo, McDermott, Lauren USA, L&T, and other industry leaders, all of whom have come together to make NG SAF a reality.”

About GPSR (GPS Renewables) Group

Headquartered in Bengaluru, GPS Renewables (“GPSR”) is the world’s largest full-stack, renewable oil & gas company offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects. Starting from captive biogas plants, GPSR has scaled up to set up some of the world’s largest RNG plants. In 2022, GPS Renewables launched GPSR Arya Pvt Ltd (“ARYA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, to commission BOO (Build-Own-Operate) projects, augmenting its climate impact ambitions.

GPSR has formed joint ventures with Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Oil India to build compressed biogas (CBG) plants across India. These plants will process agricultural and organic waste, reduce carbon emissions, and support the government’s SATAT initiative.

https://gpsrenewables.com/

About CSIR- NCL

National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, established in 1950, is a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). CSIR-NCL is a science and knowledge-based research, development, and consulting organization. It is internationally known for its excellence in scientific research in chemistry and chemical engineering, as well as for its outstanding track record of industrial research involving partnerships with industry from concept to commercialization.

https://www.ncl-india.org/

CSIR-NAL with DRDO and ISRO to Construct Most Advanced CTW Tunnel for Aerodynamic Research & Testing

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have teamed up to build a state-of-the-art Continuous Trisonic Wind Tunnel (CTWT) or CTW Tunnel. This facility is expected to be one of the world's most advanced of its kind.

A Continuous Trisonic Wind Tunnel (CTWT) is a sophisticated facility designed to simulate the conditions that aircraft and aerospace vehicles experience at various speeds, including subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds (Mach 0.1 to 4).

Unlike traditional wind tunnels that operate intermittently, a CTWT can run continuously, allowing for long-duration tests that are crucial for studying steady-state aerodynamic behaviors.

The CTWT project, which has been approved for development, aims to be completed by 2031. The CTWT will feature two distinct wind tunnels: a Continuous Type Wind Tunnel and a Blowdown Type Wind Tunnel. These tunnels will allow for long-duration tests and high-speed aerodynamic simulations, significantly reducing India's reliance on foreign facilities.

The Continuous Type Wind Tunnel will be 2.5 meters wide by 2.5 meters high. The facility will be capable of simulating air speeds from Mach 0.1 to 1.8. The CTW Tunnel will be designed for continuous operation, allowing for long-duration tests crucial for analyzing steady-state aerodynamic behaviors.

The Blowdown Type Wind Tunnel will be 1.75 meters wide by 1.75 meters high. It will be designed for higher speeds and transient flight conditions, offering insights into high-speed aerodynamics. The Blowdown Type Wind Tunnel will be capable of simulating air speeds from Mach 1.6 to 4. 

Notably, the North American Trisonic Wind Tunnel (NATWT) located in El Segundo, California, built by North American Aviation in the 1950s, had a maximum testing speed of Mach 3.5.

The collaboration between CSIR-NAL, DRDO, and ISRO to build a new Continuous Trisonic Wind Tunnel (CTWT) facility is a significant step for India's aerospace capabilities.

This facility will help reduce reliance on foreign wind tunnels, saving both time and costs, while enhancing national security by keeping sensitive projects within the country.

This ambitious project is expected to be completed by 2031, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) finalized by July 2025.

These advanced wind tunnels will help studying the behavior of aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles under various flight conditions, and at the same time reducing reliance on foreign wind tunnels and keeping sensitive projects within the country.

Tata Elxsi and CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories to Accelerate Innovation in UAVs, UAM, and eVTOLs for Global Markets

• Tata Elxsi and National Aerospace Laboratories Sign Strategic Partnership for Advanced Air Mobility

Tata Elxsi and the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) have signed a strategic partnership to drive innovation in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

National Aerospace Laboratories, a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, established in the year 1959 is the only government aerospace R&D laboratory in the country’s civilian sector.

CSIR-NAL is a high-technology oriented institution focusing on advanced disciplines in aerospace.

This collaboration is focused on driving innovation in emerging areas such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Here are some key details about this collaboration:

Focus Areas:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Developing advanced UAV technologies for various applications.
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM): Enhancing air mobility solutions for urban transportation.
• Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft: Innovating in the field of eVTOL aircraft for efficient and sustainable air travel.

Partnership Goals:

• Accelerate Product Development: Leveraging CSIR-NAL's aeronautical expertise and Tata Elxsi's technological capabilities in electrification, AI/ML, sensor fusion, and certification processes.
• Build a Robust Ecosystem: Creating an ecosystem that integrates precision manufacturing, component suppliers, and tool vendors.
• Shape Industry Standards: Contributing to the development of industry regulations and standards for AAM.

Manoj Raghavan, MD & CEO at Tata Elxsi, emphasized the importance of this partnership in pushing the boundaries of innovation and accelerating the development of next-generation air mobility solutions.

Dr. Abhay A Pashilkar, Director at CSIR-NAL, highlighted the collaboration's potential to develop innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions that will shape the future of urban transportation.

This partnership is a significant step towards advancing AAM technologies and fostering innovation in the aerospace sector.