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

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Rolls-Royce and Reliance Industries in the AMCA engine programme

In a statement published on its official website, British company Rolls-Royce has announced its intention to participate in developing the future engines for India’s AMCA fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force’s bid to enter the fifth-generation era with an indigenous design. To that end, the company confirmed a partnership with Mumbai-based Reliance Industries Limited, through which it could undertake the design, development and manufacture of the new propulsion systems.

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Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, commented on the matter: “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 an indigenous 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 should be recalled that bringing domestic industry into the many modernisation programmes currently under way is among the Indian government’s foremost priorities. Its long-term aim is to lessen reliance on foreign companies while establishing Indian firms as future players of global relevance. This approach extends beyond the air domain; an illustrative example is the forthcoming purchase of six submarines from German company TKMS, which has partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders to build them in India.

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A potential advanced gas turbine complex

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

AMCA engine competition and the GE F414

From a perspective focused more closely on the development of the future fifth-generation AMCA fighter, this latest news comes as the Indian government assesses a proposal from French manufacturer Safran, which partnered with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to meet the requirement to involve local participants. Last August, it was even reported as an already selected supplier, amid what appeared to be a faster future delivery schedule and a lower likelihood of US pressure.

While New Delhi decides which proposal will ultimately be chosen, reports from local analysts indicate that the first fifth-generation aircraft could 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 supplied by a company that has faced difficulties meeting the agreed deliveries of F404 engines intended for the Tejas Mk1 variant.

Cover image: Gordon Arthur