Rolls-Royce has proposed co-developing and co-designing a jet engine for India, with India owning the intellectual property (IP). This offer is largely for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which intends to create a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet and is consistent with India’s goal of self-reliance in military aviation.
Rolls-Royce is aggressively pursuing a cooperation with India to co-develop a fighter aircraft engine, emphasising a unique strategy that sets it apart from competitors. A senior firm executive claimed that they are proposing a collaborative strategy that will allow India to not only co-develop and co-design the engine, but also maintain full control of the Intellectual Property (IP) linked with it. This model aims to empower India.
In negotiations over the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Rolls-Royce has said that it will give all intellectual property rights to India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This contrasts with other firms’ solutions, such as SAFRAN, which only propose partial IP transfers. The capacity of India to fully control the design and technology is considered as a key benefit, increasing India’s long-term autonomy in defence technology.
The partnership is consistent with India’s overall objective of indigenising its defence industrial capabilities through programs such as “Make in India.” Rolls-Royce’s plan involves setting up production facilities in India and providing continuous assistance for engine testing, which is critical to the development process. This cooperation has significant strategic ramifications, particularly for India as it strives to expand its military capabilities.
Rolls-Royce and Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of 4MW marine gas turbine generators (GTGs) particularly for the Indian market. This alliance intends to cover a wide range of topics, including design, development, manufacture, and extensive sales and support for these maritime GTGs.
At the Aero India 2025 event, Alex Zino, Executive Vice President for Business Development and Future Programs at Rolls-Royce (Defence), underlined the company’s commitment to growing its activities in India. He stated that Rolls-Royce already has a major manufacturing presence in the country, producing complicated aircraft components through collaborations with numerous suppliers and joint ventures, such as International aircraft Manufacturing Private Limited (IAMPL) and Force Motors.
Zino stated that Rolls-Royce intends to increase its supply chain sourcing from India by 2030, which aligns with India’s objectives for defence indigenisation and modernisation. This effort seeks to strengthen local manufacturing capacities while also supporting the overarching objective of self-reliance in military technology. The IAMPL factory in Tamil Nadu is a prime example, producing over 160 sophisticated aerospace components for not just Rolls-Royce’s global fleet but also the whole aerospace industry.
Zino expanded on the strategic alliances that support these expansion ambitions. Collaboration with IAMPL and Force Motors is critical for developing new technologies and capabilities specific to India’s defence requirements. Additionally, Rolls-Royce is looking into co-development prospects for combat engine technology, which would allow India to hold intellectual property and drive future enhancements.
The organisation is committed to building a strong ecosystem in India that includes everything from design to production. Zino emphasised that effective knowledge transfer from the UK to India is critical to establishing real self-reliance in military manufacture. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce’s historic partnership with the Indian Armed Forces, which includes powering diverse military systems with over 1,400 engines, demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving India’s defence capabilities.
Rolls-Royce has proposed handing the engine’s complete intellectual property rights to India, allowing full control over the design and technology. This strategy contrasts with that of Safran, which has only granted limited IPR transfer.
Rolls-Royce is willing to co-develop a new engine from the ground up, rather than relying on the Eurojet EJ200. This clean-slate method guarantees that the IP will be
The planned agreement include the transfer of both know-how and know-why, with all intellectual property for crucial battle engine technology located in India, allowing for future customisation and improvisation.
Rolls-Royce has committed to set up production facilities for the new engine in India and assist with engine testing.
BAE Systems, together with Rolls-Royce, has offered India a participation in the Global Combat Air Program to build a sixth-generation fighter jet in collaboration with Italy and Japan.
Rolls-Royce and Azad Engineering have a seven-year cooperation to manufacture essential military components. This is consistent with Rolls-Royce’s aim to establishing a strong presence in India through local partnerships, advancing the goal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).
Rolls-Royce has a lengthy history in India, having powered many of the Indian Air Force’s aircraft and provided the first entire engine technology transfer arrangement. They also provide marine engines for the Indian Navy.
