Heavy-duty gas turbines are core equipment in the energy and power sector. In recent years, China has launched technological research and development (R&D) efforts including the development of the 300-megawatt F-class heavy-duty gas turbine, which has played a major driving role in establishing an independent R&D system of heavy-duty gas turbines and promoting the transformation and upgrading of the energy equipment manufacturing industry. This study focuses on the independent R&D of 300-megawatt F-class heavy-duty gas turbine and elaborates on the forward-engineering system construction, core technological breakthroughs, and engine test verification of the gas turbine. Based on the forward-engineering philosophy, an R&D system covering the entire process of design, materials, manufacturing, and testing is established. Approximately 100 critical technologies are overcome, including high-load multi-stage matching for compressors, stable combustion with low emissions across a wide operating range for combustors, and high-temperature efficient cooling for turbines. Advanced superalloys such as UGTC47 are developed, and a material database for heavy-duty gas turbines is created, enabling the domestic batch production of large-scale turbine blades and high-strength, high-toughness rotor disc forgings. In terms of the control and protection system, a defense-in-depth system architecture is established, enabling one-click start and stop for fully automated control. The innovative use of digital-twin-based simulation-assisted design and the full-scope hardware/software-in-the-loop verification technology effectively ensures the safety and reliability of gas turbine operation. The prototype engine test and operation of the 300-megawatt F-class heavy-duty gas turbine are carried out, achieving successful ignition, speed-up, and grid-connection tests in a single attempt, and completing key tests including performance assessment and 1 000-hour preliminary reliability verification. Core performance parameters, including power, efficiency, and emission, all comply with the design requirements. The shaft system is stable, the compressor, combustors, and turbines all operate steadily, and matching between components is excellent, validating the reliability of the design and the key technologies. Through the successful development of the 300-megawatt F-class heavy-duty gas turbine, a full-chain technical system for the independent design, manufacturing, and testing of heavy-duty gas turbines is initially established in China. This lays a solid foundation for the subsequent development of products with higher technological levels and the sustainable growth of the industry.