Rolls-Royce is assessing plans to position India as a long-term “home market” outside the United Kingdom, as the British aero-engine manufacturer seeks to expand its presence across military aviation, naval propulsion, land systems and advanced engineering, according to a report by PTI.
Rolls-Royce India Executive Vice-President Sashi Mukundan told PTI that the company is preparing for a significant investment in the country, with collaboration on a next-generation engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme emerging as a key priority. Beyond the UK, Rolls-Royce currently treats the United States and Germany as home markets due to their scale and depth of manufacturing and engineering activity.
Mukundan said discussions are ongoing with Indian stakeholders on jointly developing engines for the AMCA platform, which is expected to power future Indian Air Force combat aircraft. He indicated that Rolls-Royce is open to carrying out engine design work in India, alongside technology transfer and shared ownership of newly created intellectual property.
He added that ownership of design intellectual property would provide strategic control over future upgrades, while manufacturing capability would need to be built progressively to meet safety and certification requirements. Rolls-Royce’s experience in designing and certifying both combat and commercial engines positions it to support India’s next phase of aviation development, he said.
While declining to disclose investment figures, Mukundan said the proposed commitment would be substantial and aimed at building capability across the full value chain in sectors where Rolls-Royce operates. The focus, he said, would be on ecosystem development across defence manufacturing and advanced engineering rather than on individual projects.
The company is also expected to finalise two memorandums of understanding with Indian defence public sector undertakings, covering engine manufacturing for the Arjun main battle tank and propulsion systems for future combat vehicles, according to the PTI report.
Mukundan said Rolls-Royce also sees opportunities in India’s naval modernisation plans, particularly for electric and hybrid propulsion systems derived from aero-engine cores. He noted that a co-designed aero-core developed in India could support both aviation and naval requirements through a shared supply chain.
Globally, Rolls-Royce powers platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon through its EJ200 engine and leads the Global Combat Aircraft Programme involving the UK, Japan and Italy. The company has also previously partnered with GE Aviation on the F136 engine programme for the F-35 fighter.
Mukundan said India’s scale, policy clarity and emphasis on domestic capability development underpin Rolls-Royce’s interest in positioning the country as a long-term strategic base rather than only a sales market.