CHENNAI: Emerging from the research ecosystem of IIT Madras, deep-tech startup D-Propulse Aerospace Private Limited is positioning India for a decisive leap in high-speed aerospace capability, developing Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) –based propulsion systems that promise to fundamentally reshape future defence and aerospace platforms.
Incubated at IIT-M and guided by some of the country’s most accomplished defence scientists, D-Propulse is working on a propulsion technology widely seen as the first major architectural shift in aero-propulsion in decades.
By replacing conventional steady combustion with continuous detonation waves, RDEs deliver significantly higher thermal efficiency, reduced engine size and far simpler mechanical design.
Unlike conventional jet engines, ramjets or scramjets, RDEs have no moving parts, making them easier to manufacture, more reliable at scale and inherently cost-efficient. With efficiency gains of 25% or more, smaller engines can deliver higher thrust, addressing one of the most persistent constraints in high-speed systems, achieving performance without prohibitive cost.
The company’s work aligns with a broader transformation in global defence thinking. As integrated air and missile defence systems mature, traditional radar stealth is steadily losing effectiveness, pushing militaries to prioritise speed, altitude and manoeuvrability. D-Propulse’s approach enables what it terms ‘mass in precision’, the ability to field fast, accurate systems in numbers rather than a handful of expensive platforms.
“We’re entering an era where speed is the new stealth. Our focus is on building indigenous aero-propulsion capabilities that allow India to design, manufacture and scale high-speed systems independently, while also developing bespoke platforms such as high-supersonic drones,” said Saurav Jha, founder and CEO of D-Propulse Aerospace in a statement.
D-Propulse draws strength from a leadership team deeply embedded in India’s defence and academic ecosystem. VK Saraswat, member, NITI Aayog and former DRDO chairman, serves as chief mentor. V Ramanujachari, former senior DRDO scientist who led India’s scramjet engine programme and contributed to the Akash missile propulsion system, is co-founder and CTO. S Chakravarthy, Head of the National Centre for Combustion R&D at IIT-M, is chief advisor.
The startup has already achieved a notable technology readiness level in air-breathing rotating detonation combustors and is progressing towards flight-capable demonstrators. To support this next phase, D-Propulse has secured Rs 25 crore in seed funding from IAN Alpha Fund, which will be used to expand engineering teams, strengthen simulation and computing capabilities, and establish limited testing infrastructure.
Unlike conventional jet engines, ramjets or scramjets, RDEs have no moving parts, making them easier to manufacture, more reliable at scale and inherently cost-efficient