Rolls-Royce seeks to develop engines for India’s AMCA fighter with Reliance Industries

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Rolls-Royce and Reliance Industries target AMCA engine development

British company Rolls-Royce has announced on its official website that it intends to take part in developing the future engines for India’s AMCA fighter, the Indian Air Force’s bid to enter the fifth generation with an indigenous design. To this end, the company has formalised an association with Mumbai-based Reliance Industries Limited, through which it could design, develop and manufacture the new propulsion systems.

👉 Read more: The Air Force secures its strategic ISR capability with a new support contract for its MQ-9A Predator B

Anant Ambani, executive director of Reliance Industries Limited, commented: “India’s strategic autonomy requires sovereign capability in critical technologies. Our objective with Rolls-Royce is to combine its world-leading expertise in advanced propulsion with Reliance’s technology, manufacturing, scale and execution capabilities to build a home-grown aero-engine ecosystem in India. Together, we aim to develop an enduring national capability that enables India to be self-reliant and, over time, globally competitive in advanced propulsion technologies.”

It is worth recalling that involving domestic industry in the numerous modernisation programmes currently under way is one of the Indian government’s chief priorities. Its long-term aim is to reduce reliance on foreign companies and establish Indian firms as future players of global significance. This policy is not limited to the air domain; the forthcoming purchase of six submarines from German company TKMS is an illustrative example, as it has partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders to construct them in India.

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A potential advanced gas turbine complex in India

Regarding Rolls-Royce’s efforts to secure a role in the AMCA fighter programme, it has been stated that its partnership with Reliance will focus on the possible establishment of a new advanced gas turbine development complex. In future, this facility could evolve into a broader centre dedicated to propulsion technologies. According to the British manufacturer, the intention is for the site to offer full engine-production capability, spanning design, ground testing and through-life maintenance.

Safran proposal and GE F414 engines for the AMCA fighter

From a perspective more directly focused on development of the future fifth-generation AMCA fighter, the latest development comes as the Indian government assesses a proposal from French manufacturer Safran, which partnered with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to meet requirements for the inclusion of local stakeholders. In August, it was even reported as an already selected supplier, amid what appeared to be a faster future delivery timetable and fewer potential risks of US pressure.

While New Delhi decides which proposal will ultimately be chosen, reports by local analysts indicate that the first examples of the fifth-generation aircraft would be fitted with US-made GE F414 engines. This is the same engine India has already selected for its LCA Tejas Mk2 fighters, but it is also a supplier that has already faced difficulties meeting the agreed deliveries of F404 engines intended for the Tejas Mk1 variant.

Cover image: Gordon Arthur