In a strategic move, the Indian Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a family of small jet engines to power missiles and drones, while simultaneously working on a jet engine for fighter aircraft. The DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has successfully developed a 350kg class expendable turbojet engine, similar to those used in cruise missiles like the US Tomahawk and India's Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM). The engines are also powering jet-powered loitering munitions, such as Agniveg, which can engage targets deep inside enemy territory. India has recently demonstrated a Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) by private firm D-Propulse in the 5 kN thrust class, marking a significant leap in engineering maturity and placing India among select nations with this capability. RDEs could revolutionize missile propulsion by reducing manufacturing costs, increasing fuel efficiency, and enabling lighter and faster platforms. The operational relevance of these engines is being demonstrated through the design of proof motors that meet the aerodynamic and geometric constraints of a flight vehicle. However, challenges such as preventing inlet unstart and dealing with high-pressure detonation waves remain formidable.