Rolls-Royce Boosts India's Aerospace Ambition

Rolls-Royce, the UK-based aerospace and defence major, is strengthening its strategic presence in India by expanding local capabilities in maintenance, supply chain integration, and co-development.

In alignment with the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Defence Industrial Roadmap, the company is exploring the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility for its AE2100 engines, which power the Indian Air Force’s Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA). The move supports greater local assembly and testing capabilities.

Rolls-Royce also plans to double its sourcing from India over the next five years, focusing on complex aero-engine components. With a workforce of over 3,000 employees in India, including 2,000 engineers, the company collaborates with key Indian partners such as HAL, Tata, Godrej & Boyce, Bharat Forge, and Force Motors.

Abhishek Singh, SVP – Defence (India & SE Asia), highlighted India’s growing role as a co-development hub, positioning it at the heart of Rolls-Royce’s global defence manufacturing and innovation strategy. This initiative reflects a broader shift toward self-reliance, joint R&D, and deeper UK–India defence cooperation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.