Reliance Industries is set to partner with Britain's Rolls-Royce to develop and manufacture a combat engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), in a move that could strengthen the country's push to build critical defence technology domestically.
The proposed partnership targets the engine for India's next-generation stealth fighter, with the AMCA prototype expected to roll out in 2028. The aircraft is expected to become a key component of India's future air combat strategy.
The collaboration comes as New Delhi seeks to reduce its dependence on imported defence equipment and expand the role of Indian private-sector companies in strategic military programmes.
India approved the execution model for the AMCA programme last year, opening the door for domestic firms to participate in the development of the twin-engine stealth aircraft.
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Reliance and Rolls-Royce plan to combine their respective capabilities, with the British company bringing its aerospace propulsion expertise and Reliance contributing manufacturing and execution capabilities.
The companies are also considering the establishment of an aerospace gas turbine complex in India, which could provide a broader industrial base for aircraft propulsion and related technologies.
The move also comes against the backdrop of challenges in India's existing fighter-jet engine supply chain. Hindustan Aeronautics, which manufactures Tejas fighter jets, has faced engine delivery delays linked to issues experienced by US-based General Electric.
Rolls-Royce already has a history of involvement in India's military propulsion programmes, making the proposed partnership a significant step in its relationship with the country.
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The announcement also introduces another major contender in India's race to build advanced fighter-engine capabilities.
France's Safran has separately proposed a joint venture with India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment for a higher-thrust engine for future AMCA variants.
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