Godrej
Godrej Aerospace, a division of the Godrej Enterprises Group, is all set to play a crucial role in India’s ambitious initiative to develop indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet engines. With extensive experience in aerospace manufacturing, particularly through its contributions to the Kaveri derivative engine, the company is strengthening its expertise in advanced military propulsion systems. This strategic positioning aligns with India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliance in critical defence technologies, especially in support of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
For over three decades, Godrej Aerospace has been an important partner in India’s space exploration and defence programs. The company has collaborated extensively with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), contributing key components for launch vehicles and satellite systems. It has played a crucial role in missions such as Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 by supplying propulsion engines, thrusters, and ground system antennas. Godrej Aerospace has also delivered around 220 Vikas engines in partnership with MTAR and has been involved in the production of cryogenic engines.
In the defence sector, the company has been manufacturing airframes for the BrahMos missile for over 20 years. Additionally, it has expanded its capabilities to include mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, as well as actuators for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program.
Godrej Aerospace remarkably made a significant milestone in 2023 by becoming the first private Indian company to bag an order for eight modules of the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Kaveri derivative engine. This 48-50 kiloNewton (kN) dry thrust engine, designed for autonomous aerial vehicles, is being developed under the specifications set by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The company has already completed two engine modules, with the remaining six in progress.
Maneck Behramkamdin, Executive Vice President and Business Head of Godrej Aerospace emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “The Kaveri derivative engine is a stepping stone for India to understand and prepare for the development of 5th generation engines.”
The expertise gained from working on the Kaveri derivative engine has positioned Godrej Aerospace to contribute significantly to India’s 5th generation fighter jet engine program. At Aero India 2025, industry leaders discussed the roadmap for indigenous jet engine development, with Godrej Aerospace expressing strong interest in collaborating with DRDO’s GTRE for the AMCA engine.
Behramkamdin highlighted the company’s readiness, stating, “We have documented every step of our processes, making us well-prepared for 5th generation engine development whenever it takes place.”
A critical aspect of manufacturing advanced jet engines is expertise in metallurgy. Behramkamdin explained that while 5th generation engines will be more technologically advanced, the fundamental manufacturing processes will remain consistent. “The alloys, welding, heat treatments, and surface treatments required for these engines will be the same,” he noted.
Godrej Aerospace has gained significant experience in working with titanium, a crucial but challenging material used in jet engines. “Titanium is difficult to handle because it tends to change shape. We have mastered the necessary heat treatments and special processes to manage it effectively,” Behramkamdin added.
Beyond defence, Godrej Aerospace continues to be a key contributor to ISRO’s rocket engine production. The company supplies L110 engines for the core stage and CE20 thrust chambers for the upper stage of the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), which has been used for commercial satellite deployments, including OneWeb’s satellite constellation.
At present, the company is producing 16-17 rocket engines annually for ISRO, with plans to double its production capacity in response to ISRO’s future launch plans, including the Gaganyaan orbital test mission and earth observation satellite deployments.
Godrej Aerospace is investing approximately ₹500 crore in a new manufacturing facility in Khalapur, near Mumbai, to foster its role in India’s aerospace and defence industries. Spread across 100 acres, this facility will focus on defence and aerospace applications. Additionally, ₹250 crores have been allocated to enhance India’s space technology capabilities, reinforcing the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
By leveraging its extensive experience in both space and defence sectors, Godrej Aerospace is emerging as a key player in India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance. The company’s advancements in propulsion technology, coupled with strategic investments in infrastructure, position it as a strong contender for India’s 5th generation fighter jet engine development.
During Aero India 2025, Godrej Aerospace further solidified its commitment to India’s aerospace future by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the indigenous manufacturing of flight control actuators for the AMCA program.
With its dual expertise in aircraft and rocket engine development, Godrej Aerospace is well-placed to support India’s ambitious aerospace initiatives, ensuring a significant contribution to the country’s defence and space capabilities.Source INDIAN DEFENCE NEWS
