Rolls-Royce has announced plans to significantly expand its operations in India across defence and energy sectors, including co-developing a new combat jet engine.
The announcement followed a meeting between Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic and Narendra Modi.
New combat jet engine for AMCA
The company said it is exploring collaboration to develop a 120 kN class combat jet engine core that could power India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The proposal includes full transfer of technology and intellectual property ownership to India, aligned with the India-UK Vision 2035 roadmap.
“As India advances its next-generation military capabilities, Rolls-Royce, with the UK Government, has offered to co-develop a 120 kN class combat jet engine core that could be India’s fastest route to an indigenous next-generation engine,” the company stated.
The project is expected to involve dedicated design and manufacturing facilities within India.
Boost to jobs and industrial footprint
Rolls-Royce said the expansion could increase jobs linked to the company and its partners in India to around 10,000. Currently, the company employs over 4,000 people in India, including approximately 2,800 engineers working on global programmes.
The company has supplied more than 1,400 engines for Indian defence platforms, including Jaguar aircraft, Hawk trainers and Arjun Main Battle Tanks. Its engines are also used in several Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels, such as Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft and P17 Alpha frigates.
Rolls-Royce operates joint ventures with HAL and Force Motors and collaborates with over 100 Indian vendors. It recently expanded its Global Capability and Innovation Centre in Bengaluru, now its largest hub for digital and engineering expertise.
The move is seen as a step towards strengthening India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.