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Godrej Aerospace has marked a significant step in India's indigenous defence manufacturing capability by delivering the initial pair of engine modules for a Kaveri derivative engine.
These first two units have been handed over to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Godrej Aerospace confirmed that the delivery schedule anticipates the remaining six modules of the order to be completed and supplied by the end of the current year.
This delivery stems from an order secured by Godrej Aerospace back in September 2022, tasking the company with the production of eight complete engine modules.
The engine itself is a specific variant derived from the original Kaveri project. It is designed as a 48 kilonewton (kN) thrust 'dry' engine, meaning it operates without an afterburner, unlike engines typically used in supersonic fighter jets.
Reports suggest this particular engine configuration is intended to power future unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), boosting India's development efforts in autonomous flight technology.
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), located in Bengaluru, provided the core design for these engine modules. As the DRDO's primary centre for military gas turbine engine development, GTRE entrusted the manufacturing responsibility to Godrej Aerospace.
A representative from Godrej highlighted the collaborative nature, stating their pride in applying the company's manufacturing expertise and leveraging its network of partner suppliers to bring GTRE's advanced design to fruition.
The broader Kaveri engine programme, originally initiated to develop an indigenous powerplant for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, continues to evolve. While that specific goal faced challenges, the underlying technology and research have led to derivatives like this 48 kN engine finding potential roles in other critical defence applications.
This project underscores the increasing collaboration between DRDO institutions and private sector companies like Godrej Aerospace, strengthening India's self-reliance ('Atmanirbhar Bharat') in key defence technologies.
As a division of Godrej & Boyce, Godrej Aerospace has positioned itself as a crucial partner within India's aerospace and defence supply chain. The successful manufacture and delivery of these first complex engine modules demonstrate the company's advanced capabilities in precision engineering and its contribution to the national 'Make in India' initiative, particularly in strategically important sectors.
