Godrej Partners with Pratt Whitney to Boost India’s Aerospace Manufacturing

Godrej Enterprises Group and Pratt & Whitney Aerospace Manufacturing Partnership: A Strategic Leap for India’s Aerospace Sector

Godrej Enterprises Group’s aerospace division has signed a landmark agreement with Pratt & Whitney to manufacture complex aerospace parts for aircraft engines, marking a significant advancement in India’s aerospace Manufacturing capabilities. This partnership, announced on July 24, 2025, leverages Godrej’s existing infrastructure and expertise to expand its role in the global aerospace supply chain.

With Godrej operating 35,000 square meters of manufacturing capacity and developing an additional 48,500 square meters, the contract aligns with India’s ambitions to become a key player in high-precision aerospace manufacturing. The deal underscores Pratt & Whitney’s strategy to diversify its Supply-Chain and tap into India’s engineering talent, reflecting broader trends of global aerospace firms turning to India amid supply chain disruptions.

Background Information

Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), part of the Godrej Group founded in 1897, has a long-standing presence in India’s industrial landscape. Its aerospace division, established in 1985, has been instrumental in supporting India’s space and defense programs, including supplying high-precision components for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.

Over the decades, Godrej Aerospace has evolved into a certified Tier-1 supplier to leading global aerospace original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) including Honeywell, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Boeing, and Safran. This evolution reflects Godrej’s commitment to advancing India’s self-reliance in critical aerospace technologies and its vision to elevate the country’s manufacturing capabilities on the global stage.

Pratt & Whitney, founded in 1925, is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. As a subsidiary of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), it powers military, commercial, and civil aviation worldwide, with over 90,000 engines in service. The company’s expansion in India, through engineering centers and collaborations, underscores its strategic focus on leveraging Indian talent for global operations.

Key Facts and Data

The contract between Godrej and Pratt & Whitney involves the manufacturing of complex aerospace parts for aircraft engine applications. This agreement is expected to significantly expand Godrej’s technological capabilities and production volumes in the aerospace sector. Godrej currently operates approximately 35,000 square meters of aerospace manufacturing capacity in India, with an additional 48,500 square meters under development.

Pratt & Whitney, as part of RTX, is the world’s largest aerospace and defense firm, employing over 185,000 people globally. The company supports more than 90,000 engines worldwide and has made substantial investments in India, including a $40 million investment in engineering and supply chain operations centers over the past two years.

The partnership is poised to boost India’s aerospace exports, which are projected to grow significantly. The aerospace composites market is expected to reach USD 690.6 million by 2033, while the aircraft components market is projected to hit USD 29.50 billion by the same year. These figures reflect the growing demand for high-precision components and India’s potential to meet it.

Recent Developments

This partnership is a key milestone in Godrej’s broader strategy to become a global aerospace supplier. Earlier in 2025, Godrej signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to develop flight control actuators for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The company is also investing in advanced technologies like 3D printing to revolutionize manufacturing processes.

Pratt & Whitney has been actively expanding its presence in India. In January 2023, it opened the India Engineering Center (IEC) in Bengaluru, which employs over 50 engineers and plans to grow to 500 by 2027. In July 2024, the company announced a new Customer Service Center in Bengaluru, expected to employ 150 aerospace experts to support global operations.

The Indian aerospace sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing domestic aviation demand and government initiatives like “Make in India.” Global aerospace firms are turning to India to mitigate supply chain risks, with the country emerging as a hub for high-precision manufacturing supported by a skilled workforce and cost competitiveness.

Expert Opinions

Maneck Behramkamdin, Business Head of the Aerospace division at Godrej Enterprises Group, stated: “This contract with Pratt & Whitney is not just a business milestone, it is a testament to India’s rising capabilities in complex aerospace manufacturing. By leveraging our advanced infrastructure, deep expertise, and commitment to global quality standards, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of aviation manufacturing in India.”

This sentiment reflects the strategic importance of the partnership in advancing India’s aerospace ambitions. It also highlights Godrej’s readiness to scale up its contributions to global aerospace supply chains through innovation and quality manufacturing.

Industry analysts have echoed this view, noting that the agreement represents a shift in India’s role from being a low-cost labor destination to a high-precision manufacturing partner. This transformation is critical as global aerospace leaders seek to de-risk their supply chains amid increasing geopolitical and logistical challenges.

“Godrej’s pact with Pratt & Whitney is a watershed moment. It represents a shift from India being just a low-cost labor destination to becoming a high-precision manufacturing partner capable of delivering critical engine components.”

Global or Industry Context

The partnership occurs against a backdrop of global aerospace supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising labor costs in traditional hubs. These factors have prompted aerospace firms to diversify their supplier base, with India emerging as a strategic alternative.

India’s engineering talent, cost advantages, and improving infrastructure have made it a preferred destination for aerospace manufacturing. Government programs like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” have further bolstered this trend by offering incentives and fostering international collaborations.

India is poised to capture a larger share of the global aerospace supply chain. With increasing domestic demand, large aircraft Orders, and rising defense budgets, the country is becoming a critical hub for aerospace innovation and manufacturing. Partnerships like the one between Godrej and Pratt & Whitney exemplify how India is integrating into global aerospace value chains.

Conclusion

The strategic Partnerships between Godrej Enterprises Group and Pratt & Whitney marks a pivotal advancement in India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities. It not only enhances Godrej’s technological and production capacities but also reinforces Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to leveraging Indian talent for global operations.

As India continues to develop its aerospace infrastructure and talent pool, such partnerships are expected to drive significant growth in the sector. Future developments may include further expansions in manufacturing capacity, increased indigenous production of critical components, and deeper integration into international aerospace supply chains.

FAQ

What is the significance of the Godrej and Pratt & Whitney partnership?
The partnership signifies a major step in India’s aerospace capabilities, allowing Godrej to manufacture complex aircraft engine parts and strengthening India’s role in global aerospace supply chains.

What are Godrej’s capabilities in aerospace manufacturing?
Godrej Aerospace is a Tier-1 supplier to global OEMs and has supported ISRO missions. It operates 35,000 sq. meters of manufacturing space and is expanding by an additional 48,500 sq. meters.

Why is India becoming important in the aerospace sector?
India offers skilled engineering talent, cost-effective manufacturing, and strong government support through initiatives like “Make in India,” making it an attractive destination for aerospace investments.

Sources

• Godrej Press Release