Godrej Aerospace has emerged as one of the leading contenders for a major role in India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine development initiative as the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) expands its search for industrial partners ahead of a proposed co-development effort with Safran.
Sources familiar with the program indicate that Godrej Aerospace is increasingly being viewed as a key industry participant under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) framework for the planned Advanced High-Thrust Class Engine (AHTCE). The proposed 110–120 kN turbofan engine is being developed for the AMCA Mk-2 stealth fighter program.
The AHTCE project is regarded as one of India’s most strategically important aerospace propulsion efforts, aimed at reducing long-term dependence on imported fighter engines by creating an indigenous high-thrust turbofan ecosystem capable of powering fifth-generation combat aircraft.
GTRE, the aero-engine research laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is expected to jointly develop the engine with Safran following years of discussions focused on technology cooperation and transfer of critical know-how.
Industry sources suggest GTRE is actively identifying Indian private-sector partners capable of supporting large-scale manufacturing, subsystem integration, and precision engineering for the complex engine program.
The scale of the project is substantial, with the proposed AHTCE reportedly requiring production capability for more than 2,300 unique components totaling nearly 23,000 individual parts, alongside integration of 11 critical fighter-engine sub-systems.
Godrej Aerospace is viewed as a strong candidate due to its growing expertise in aero-engine manufacturing and high-precision aerospace structures. The company has already played a significant role in GTRE’s Kaveri engine program, particularly in producing critical engine components.
Although the Kaveri engine is no longer intended for manned fighter aircraft, it is now being adapted for India’s Ghatak stealth UCAV program, ensuring continuity in indigenous engine technology development.
Godrej Aerospace’s expanding industrial footprint is also strengthening its position within the AMCA engine competition. The company is currently enlarging its aerospace manufacturing facility in Khalapur, Maharashtra, which is expected to substantially increase production capacity.
Over the last decade, Godrej Aerospace has evolved into a globally integrated aerospace manufacturer and now participates in international supply chains supporting major firms including Boeing, Airbus, GE Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce.
Its exposure to international aerospace standards and advanced manufacturing practices is considered a major advantage for handling the extremely tight tolerances associated with fighter aircraft engines.
The AMCA engine initiative is expected to demand unprecedented industrial coordination across India’s private aerospace sector. Developing advanced fighter engines requires expertise in high-temperature materials, single-crystal turbine blades, advanced cooling technologies, precision machining, and highly complex integration processes — areas where India has historically faced challenges.
In addition to Godrej Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge are also reportedly among the frontrunners for major roles within the DcPP structure due to their experience in advanced metallurgy and aerospace manufacturing.
The AMCA Mk-2 engine remains strategically vital to India’s long-term airpower ambitions. While the initial AMCA Mk-1 aircraft are expected to use imported engines, likely the GE F414, the Mk-2 variant is intended to feature the indigenous 110–120 kN engine to fully unlock the fighter’s stealth, payload, and supercruise performance.
