Luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce announced its intention to expand operations in India to support future programs and partnerships in defense, civil aviation, and energy sectors. The company is looking into opportunities for co-developing a next-generation combat jet engine and localizing engine manufacturing for the Indian Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with potential power solutions for critical infrastructure and industry.
These initiatives have the potential to increase the workforce supporting Rolls-Royce and its partners in India to around 10,000 individuals. Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the UK Government, has proposed co-developing a 120 kN class combat jet engine core to enhance India’s indigenous next-generation engine capabilities. The partnership aims to provide full technology transfer with intellectual property ownership for India, facilitated by a dedicated design complex and manufacturing capabilities that could lead to significant job creation.
Rolls-Royce also anticipates a ten-fold rise in its supply-chain sourcing from India, benefiting numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. The company’s CEO, Tufan Erginbilgic, expressed determination to support India’s self-reliance journey by fostering indigenous propulsion capabilities, ensuring sustained power supply to critical infrastructure and industry, and expanding local manufacturing for global supply chains.
“We are committed to collaborating with India in its defense, aviation, and energy sectors, thereby expanding our ecosystem in the country, similar to our successful endeavors in other nations,” Tufan added. Currently, over 1,400 Rolls-Royce engines power various defense platforms in India, including combat aircraft, trainers, battle tanks, and naval vessels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Rolls-Royce CEO Erginbilgic, appreciating the company’s eagerness to enhance its presence in India and engage with the country’s innovative youth.
