Rolls-Royce Set to Make Major Investment Push in India

As India’s domestic aviation sector continues to expand rapidly and Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 1,200 new aircraft, leading global aerospace companies are showing strong interest in establishing manufacturing operations in the country. In this context, UK-based aircraft engine major Rolls-Royce has also set its sights on making India its third-largest market outside the United Kingdom. The company is keen to tap into opportunities across multiple segments in India, including jet engines, naval propulsion, land systems and advanced engineering, according to Shashi Mukundan, Executive Vice President of Rolls-Royce India. He said the company is drawing up plans for significant investments in the country.

Mukundan noted that the development of next-generation aero engines for combat aircraft under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is one of Rolls-Royce’s key priorities. He added that the company can play a crucial role in meeting India’s electric propulsion requirements aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy. The AMCA engine core can be adapted for use as a naval marine engine as well as for electric propulsion applications. He further pointed out that Rolls-Royce is among the few companies globally that possess the technological capability to convert aero engines into marine engines.

With India’s defence and industrial ecosystems expanding rapidly, Mukundan said Rolls-Royce is preparing to make substantial investments in the country. He revealed that the company is planning to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two public sector defence undertakings — one related to the manufacture of engines for Arjun tanks, and another focused on the development of engines for future-ready combat vehicles. He also emphasized that special priority will be given to the production of fighter aircraft engines.