10 kN Indigenous Jet Engine: A New Delhi-based startup called DG Propulsion is now taking a bigger step in jet engine work. The company, started by Prateek Dhawan and Chirag Gupta, says it is moving from small micro-turbojets to a much larger 10 kN-class engine project. On its own site, DG Propulsion says it already makes compact turbojet engines and has a thrust roadmap that goes from 10 to 200 kgf. It also lists its J40 as a 40 kgf class engine for UAV and UCAV use, and its J100 as a 100 kgf class engine for higher payload UAVs.
This new plan matters because it shows the company is trying to grow into a bigger name in India’s aero-engine space. DG Propulsion says it builds mission-ready jet propulsion systems in India for defense and civilian use. Its website also says the company works through a full chain of design, manufacturing, assembly, test validation, and delivery support.
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From J40 to a 10 kN test setup
The company’s J40 engine was the first big proof that its work could go beyond a simple idea. DG Propulsion’s news page says the J40 completed a one-hour endurance test. The product page also describes it as a compact turbojet meant for unmanned platforms that need quick throttle response and steady operation. In later reporting, the company said the J40 had moved through stronger trial runs, which helped build confidence for the next stage.
Now the startup is putting money into a new modular test setup that can handle engines up to 10 kN. Prateek Dhawan also wrote in June 2026 that work was underway on a modular test stand for engines in that class. A test stand like this is important because bigger engines cannot just be made and guessed at. They have to be checked safely under real conditions before they can be used in aircraft or other flying machines.
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10 kN engine Benefits for India
A 10 kN engine is useful for many things. It can fit heavy drones, target drones, cruise missiles, unmanned combat aircraft, and other experimental flying systems. It is also a useful middle step before the company tries to build even larger turbofan engines later. In simple words, this is like climbing one stair at a time before trying to reach the top floor.
This kind of work is hard because jet engines need very strong metals, very exact machining, smart airflow design, and good digital control systems. But DG Propulsion says its goal is to make these systems in India, not depend fully on imported engines. That fits with the wider Atmanirbhar Bharat push, which wants more homegrown defence and aerospace technology.
