What happened?
On 13 September 2025, Godrej Enterprises Group’s aerospace business signed a five-year contract with France’s Safran Aircraft Engines to manufacture critical components for the LEAP engine, developed by CFM International, a 50:50 joint venture between American GE Aerospace and Safran. The engine powers narrow-body aircraft and has more than 2,000 units on order from Indian airlines. Under the agreement, Godrej will produce titanium-based complex ventilation assemblies for LEAP engines. The production will involve complex machining, precision welding, and advanced non-destructive testing to meet stringent civil aviation standards. Godrej’s aerospace division is also manufacturing six Kaveri Derivative Engines (KDEs) for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment. The KDE, a non-afterburning turbofan derived from the indigenous Kaveri engine designed for the Tejas light combat aircraft, is intended to power India’s unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
Why it matters to India
The contract reflects India’s growing role in the global aerospace ecosystem and advances the vision of ‘Make in India.’ By producing highly complex aerospace components domestically, Godrej enhances India’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities while supporting long-term industrial partnerships with global aerospace firms. India is a key market for CFM, with 75 per cent of the country’s commercial fleet powered by CFM engines. The LEAP engine, with over 2,000 units on order, represents a major growth opportunity for Indian aerospace manufacturing and underscores the country’s strategic position in global aviation supply chains.