SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Delhi-based aerospace startup DG Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL) is poised to make a significant mark in India’s defense and aerospace sector as its DG J40 turbojet engine approaches the flight trial stage. Prateek Dhawan, Director of DG Propulsion, announced that the DG J40, a compact and powerful engine designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and defense applications, is nearing a critical milestone in its development, underscoring India’s growing prowess in indigenous aerospace technology.
The DG J40, boasting a thrust capacity of up to 40 kgf (kilogram-force), is a cornerstone of DG Propulsion’s jet engine lineup. Engineered for high performance, the engine offers an optimal balance of power, fuel efficiency, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for high-speed UAVs, loitering munitions, and other defense platforms. Its compact design, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and customizable features—such as adjustable nozzles and water-landing capabilities—position it as a versatile solution for both military and civilian applications.
Earlier this year, DG Propulsion signed a strategic agreement with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a leading Indian defense public sector undertaking, to collaborate on the development of jet turbine engines for loitering munitions, high-speed UAVs, and advanced propulsion systems. This partnership, announced on February 21, 2025, marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The collaboration with BDL is expected to accelerate the integration of the DG J40 into cutting-edge defense platforms, enhancing India’s capabilities in unmanned systems.
Dhawan also revealed that DG Propulsion is not resting on its laurels. The company is actively developing additional engines to expand its portfolio while simultaneously refining its existing lineup, including the DG J20, DG J40, and DG J60 turbojet engines. “We are not just focused on the DG J40’s success,” Dhawan stated. “Our team is working on launching new engines and making continuous improvements to our current offerings to meet the evolving demands of the aerospace and defense sectors.”
The DG J40 has already demonstrated its potential through rigorous testing, including a notable one-hour endurance run in 2024 that exceeded expectations, as well as multiple vertical test runs conducted in early 2025. These tests, which involved fluctuating throttle settings and rapid RPM changes, confirmed the engine’s stability and reliability under demanding conditions. Dhawan emphasized that the upcoming flight trials will be a pivotal moment, showcasing the engine’s readiness for real-world applications.
DG Propulsion’s achievements come at a time when India is intensifying efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology in critical defense sectors. The company’s ambition to increase the indigenous content of the DG J40 from its current 30-35% to over 90% in the coming years, supported by a grant from the Ministry of Defence, reflects its commitment to building a robust domestic supply chain.
NOTE: Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.