Godrej Aerospace Eyes Role in AMCA 5th Gen Engine Development, Leveraging Kaveri Expertise

India's pursuit of an indigenous fighter jet engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has gained momentum, with Godrej Aerospace formally expressing its intent to collaborate with the DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The company, already an integral part of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, aims to leverage its experience from the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE) program to contribute to the development of a cutting-edge propulsion system for India's fifth-generation stealth fighter.

At an industry event in February 2025, Maneck Behramkamdin of Godrej Aerospace emphasized that the company’s expertise in high-precision aerospace manufacturing aligns well with the requirements of the advanced AMCA engine. While the new engine demands significantly higher thrust—targeting the 110-130 kilonewton (kN) range compared to the KDE’s 46-52 kN—he noted that core manufacturing techniques such as advanced alloys, specialized welding, and high-temperature resistance treatments remain fundamentally similar.

Strategic Importance of Godrej’s Participation

Godrej Aerospace has played a key role in India’s evolving aerospace capabilities. The company has successfully manufactured critical components such as turbine blades, compressor discs, and combustor modules for the Kaveri Derivative Engine. These require advanced nickel-based superalloys and specialized fabrication processes, including electron beam welding and coatings designed to withstand temperatures exceeding 1,500°C.

The AMCA engine, however, represents a far more complex challenge. Unlike the KDE, which was originally envisioned for smaller applications like the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and potential naval uses, the new engine must support supercruise—the ability to sustain supersonic flight without afterburners—while also integrating stealth-enhancing technologies to reduce heat and radar signatures. Additionally, it needs an extended operational life of over 4,000 hours, making durability and efficiency paramount.

Despite these challenges, Godrej’s confidence in its capabilities stems from its longstanding contributions to other strategic national projects. The company has been a trusted supplier for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), manufacturing thrust chambers for the Vikas engine used in satellite launch vehicles. It has also produced vital components for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Such experience positions Godrej as a strong contender in India’s long-term push for self-reliance in aerospace technology.

India’s Engine Development Challenges and the AMCA Roadmap

India’s history with indigenous fighter jet engine development has been marked by hurdles. The original Kaveri engine, despite years of development, failed to meet the performance benchmarks required for fighter aircraft, leading to its relegation to other uses. This dependence on foreign engine suppliers, particularly GE Aerospace's F414 engine for the first-generation AMCA MkI, underscores the urgency of an indigenous solution for AMCA MkII, which is expected to feature a more powerful and fully Indian-built engine by the mid-2030s.

To address this gap, India has sanctioned a substantial budget—reportedly around ₹15,000 crore—to accelerate jet engine development. While discussions with international firms like Safran (France) and Rolls-Royce (UK) continue, the participation of private Indian firms like Godrej Aerospace signals a broader industrial capability shift.

A key aspect of successful indigenous development will be mastering single-crystal turbine blade technology, crucial for high-performance jet engines. If Godrej can integrate such advancements, it would mark a major breakthrough in India’s aerospace self-sufficiency, potentially reducing reliance on foreign engine manufacturers and strengthening India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

A Step Toward Aerospace Independence

Godrej Aerospace’s bid to join the AMCA engine program reflects a growing confidence in India's private sector to contribute to high-end defence technology. With expertise developed through the Kaveri Derivative Engine and other strategic projects, the company is well-positioned to support GTRE in tackling the formidable challenges of fifth-generation engine development.

If successful, this collaboration could mark a significant leap in India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities, reducing foreign dependence and solidifying India’s status as a major player in the global fighter jet engine sector.