Deepinder Goyal, co‑founder of Zomato, has launched LAT Aerospace, an aviation startup based in Bengaluru that aims to design and build flight-ready gas turbine engines entirely in India. This would mark India’s first true indigenous commercial engine development. Its broader goal: power STOL aircraft and UAVs from scratch. LAT Aerospace is setting up a propulsion research center with specialized labs for combustion, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and materials, led entirely by engineers without bureaucratic delays.
💡 Why It’s Groundbreaking
- India Has Attempted—but Never Finished: Previous efforts like DRDO’s Kaveri engine came close but failed to meet required thrust levels. LAT’s fresh approach seeks to cross that long-pursued finish line.
- Startup Speed, Engineer-Led Approach: LAT empowers engineers to test fast, iterate, and build hardware unhindered by executive bottlenecks, a shift from past state-led programs.
- ₹20 Million Seed Investment: Goyal has already invested about USD 20 million (~₹160 crore) in LAT, part of a larger USD 50 million funding round.
- Strategic Importance for Regional Air Connectivity: The engine aims to power STOL aircraft for regional rural connectivity—what LAT brands as “buses in the sky”—operating from small “air-stops” near underserved towns.
- First Truly “Made‑in‑India” Propulsion Stack: If successful, LAT Aerospace could pioneer self-reliance in propulsion tech, reducing dependence on foreign engines and creating India’s first commercial gas turbine engine manufacturing capability.
📈 Vision & Execution Timeline
- This propulsion initiative is separate from LAT’s aircraft design; it’s specifically focused on engine hardware development in India.
- LAT is actively recruiting engineers experienced in turbines, rotors, and control systems via open invites posted by Goyal.
- The engine is intended to power LAT’s hybrid-electric, 12–24 seat STOL aircraft operating within ~1,500 km routes.
🧭 Broader Implications
- National Aerospace Credibility: India’s last significant attempt, the Kaveri engine, failed to deliver sufficient thrust for Tejas fighters. Goyal’s move renews hope for a fully indigenous propulsion solution.
- Levers Private Sector Momentum: Private players like Mahindra Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, and Godrej Aerospace previously proposed jet engine development alongside L&T—LAT’s entry provides a startup-driven anatomical example.
- STOL Vision for Regional Air Travel: LAT plans to turn India’s unused airstrips into functional commuter aviation hubs—yielding affordable, frequent flights across Tier 2/3 cities.The Times of India
✅ Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Deepinder Goyal, via LAT Aerospace |
| Investment | |
| Engine Focus | Fully indigenous gas turbine for STOL & UAV use |
| Lab Infrastructure | Propulsion team with combustion, turbomachinery, materials lab |
| Project Ethos | Engineer-led, agile iteration, hands-on building |
| Strategic Outcome | India’s first Made‑in‑India commercial jet engine |
🌐 Why It Matters
Deepinder Goyal’s drive to build India’s first jet engine is a historic challenge to the country’s long-lingering propulsion bottleneck. If successful, LAT Aerospace could become the homegrown cornerstone of India’s self‑reliant aviation ambitions—redefining regional connectivity, military UAV programs, and the broader aerospace ecosystem. The project blends entrepreneurial spirit with aerospace innovation, offering a new model for tech-led national capability building.
