D-Propulse Develops Indigenous Jet Engine Technology for High-Speed Drones and Missiles

Indian defence technology startup D-Propulse is developing rotating detonation engines (RDEs) for high-speed drones and missiles, aiming to reduce India’s dependence on imported propulsion technology.

Founded in 2025 by defence analyst Saurav Jha and former DRDO scientist Dr V Ramanujachari, the startup is working on engines designed to be smaller, more fuel-efficient and less expensive to manufacture than conventional propulsion systems.

India has spent nearly four decades pursuing indigenous jet engine development. However, dependence on foreign technology, imported components and overseas testing facilities remains a challenge.

D-Propulse aims to address part of this gap through domestic engine development and testing infrastructure.

How D-Propulse’s Rotating Detonation Engine Works

Unlike conventional jet engines that burn fuel through a continuous flame, rotating detonation engines use supersonic detonation waves to generate thrust.

A spark ignites a fuel-air mixture inside a ring-shaped combustion chamber. The resulting shockwave travels around the chamber thousands of times per second, continuously compressing and igniting fresh fuel.

The process generates high-pressure gases that are expelled to produce thrust.

According to Jha, the company’s RDE technology could deliver 15-25% higher thermal efficiency than conventional air-breathing jet engines.

The engines also require fewer moving parts than conventional gas turbines, potentially reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing costs.

D-Propulse Tests 5 kN Engine at DRDO Facility

In July 2026, D-Propulse demonstrated its 5 kN air-breathing rotating detonation engine at DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) facility in Hyderabad.

According to the startup, the prototype exceeded its projected thrust despite operating with reduced airflow. The company completed five ground tests within 24 hours.

The demonstration marked progress towards developing propulsion systems for high-speed drones and missiles.

The testing milestone was also reported by The Economic Times.

D-Propulse claims its engines could be manufactured at least 60% cheaper than conventional ramjets. However, the estimate is based on projected manufacturing costs and has not been validated through commercial production.

Founders and Technology Development

Saurav Jha, who founded Delhi Defence Review, identified gaps in India’s domestic propulsion capabilities through his work in defence and strategic affairs.

Co-founder Dr V Ramanujachari previously led DRDO’s scramjet engine programme and contributed to the propulsion system used in the Akash missile.

He also spent several years researching rotating detonation technology at IIT Madras.

The founders are working to turn this research into commercially viable propulsion systems for defence applications.

According to an IAN Group announcement, the company has also attracted investor interest in its aerospace propulsion technology.

D-Propulse’s Expansion and Production Plans

D-Propulse is developing testing infrastructure alongside its engine technology.

The startup’s planned developments include:

• Testing facility: A 5,000+ sq ft combustor testing facility at IIT Madras, with an air mass flow capacity of around 10 kg/sec.
• Computing infrastructure: An in-house high-performance computing (HPC) cluster.
• Engine testing: A liquid-hydrocarbon combustion test planned soon.
• Funding: Plans to raise a Series A round by early next year.
• Flight testing: Initial flight tests planned between June 2027 and December 2027.
• Production: Limited series production targeted by the end of 2028.
• Customers: The Indian Armed Forces are the startup’s first intended buyers.

The company is also exploring revenue opportunities by offering access to its testing infrastructure.

The proposed facilities could help domestic aerospace companies reduce their reliance on overseas laboratories and shorten development and testing timelines.

Global Competition in Rotating Detonation Technology

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global scramjet market was valued at more than $500 million in 2025, while the emerging rotating detonation engine opportunity is projected to exceed $2.4 billion by 2030.

D-Propulse faces competition from established international aerospace companies developing similar propulsion technologies.

GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin have tested rotating detonation ramjet technology, while US-based Venus Aerospace is pursuing related propulsion systems.

As reported by Business Standard, the development of compact propulsion systems remains an area of interest for aerospace and defence applications.

Although D-Propulse has no direct domestic competitor identified in the supplied report, its commercial prospects will depend on engine performance, reliability, pricing and manufacturing capabilities.

Can D-Propulse Commercialise Its Engine Technology?

D-Propulse has demonstrated its engine technology through ground testing, but commercial deployment remains some distance away.

The company must demonstrate reliable performance during flight, validate its claimed efficiency and cost advantages, and establish consistent manufacturing processes.

The startup has not yet generated revenue or secured paying customers.

Its proposed testing infrastructure could provide an initial revenue opportunity while engine development continues. However, the commercial viability of these facilities will depend on external demand and further investment.

For D-Propulse, the next stage involves progressing from ground-tested prototypes to engines suitable for defence applications and securing commercial customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does D-Propulse develop?

D-Propulse develops rotating detonation engines for high-speed drones and missiles.

2. Who founded D-Propulse?

The startup was founded in 2025 by Saurav Jha and Dr V Ramanujachari.

3. What engine has D-Propulse tested?

The company demonstrated a 5 kN air-breathing rotating detonation engine at a DRDO facility in Hyderabad in July 2026.

4. How much more efficient are D-Propulse’s engines?

The startup claims its RDE technology could deliver 15-25% higher thermal efficiency than conventional air-breathing jet engines.

5. When does D-Propulse plan to begin production?

The company is targeting limited series production by the end of 2028.