SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defense and aerospace sector, DG Propulsion, a Delhi-based startup, is pushing the boundaries of indigenous manufacturing with its DG J40 compact turbojet engine.
Chirag Gupta, co-founder of DG Propulsion, recently announced the company’s ambitious plan to increase the indigenous content of the DG J40 engine from its current 30-35% to over 90% within the next few years. This initiative has received a boost from a grant provided by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), aimed at reducing reliance on foreign vendors and fostering a robust domestic supply chain for critical defense technologies.
The DG J40 is a micro-turbojet engine designed specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and defense applications. With a thrust capacity of 40 kgf, the engine has already demonstrated its potential through rigorous testing, including a notable one-hour endurance run that exceeded expectations. The DG J40’s compact design, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and versatility make it an ideal choice for powering high-speed UAVs, loitering munitions, and other defense platforms requiring reliable propulsion in demanding conditions.
DG Propulsion, founded by Chirag Gupta and Prateek Dhawan, has emerged as a trailblazer in India’s aerospace startup ecosystem. The company’s focus on developing indigenous jet engine technology aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The DG J40 represents a critical milestone in this journey, offering a homegrown solution to power UAVs that are increasingly vital for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles.
“Jet engine technology is one of the most challenging fields in aerospace, and building an ecosystem for it in India requires persistence and innovation,” Gupta stated in a recent interview. “Our goal is to take the indigenous content in the DG J40 to over 90%, ensuring that nearly every component—from materials to electronics—is designed and manufactured in India. This will not only reduce costs but also give us greater control over the supply chain and the ability to innovate independently.”
The Ministry of Defence has recognized the strategic importance of DG Propulsion’s efforts and has provided the company with a grant to accelerate its indigenization goals. While the exact amount of the grant has not been disclosed, it is understood to be part of the MoD’s broader initiative to support startups and small enterprises in the defense sector through programs like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme. The funding will enable DG Propulsion to invest in research and development, establish advanced manufacturing facilities, and conduct extensive testing to refine the DG J40 engine.
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