Rolls-Royce and Reliance Industries Team Up for India’s AMCA Fighter Engine Development

British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce and India’s Reliance Industries are set to embark on a collaborative venture aimed at developing an indigenous engine for future iterations of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fifth-generation fighter jet. This partnership underscores a significant move towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in advanced defense aerospace technology.

Reliance Industries announced its intent to work with Rolls-Royce on the design, development, testing, and production of a domestic combat aircraft engine within the AMCA program framework. A core aspect of this collaboration involves exploring the establishment of an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India. This proposed facility would be equipped to manage the entire lifecycle of the engine, from initial design and prototyping to comprehensive testing, serial production, and long-term sustainment activities within the country.

Rolls-Royce’s proposition extends beyond mere component supply or localized assembly. The company has put forward a comprehensive package that includes direct engine development in India, a robust technology transfer framework, and the crucial provision for India to retain intellectual property rights generated throughout the program. Anant Ambani, a board member at Reliance Industries, highlighted that this strategic alliance would synergize Rolls-Royce’s renowned expertise in advanced propulsion systems with Reliance’s growing technological and manufacturing capabilities. Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç further emphasized the partnership’s importance in fostering a robust and self-sufficient aerospace ecosystem within India.

However, it is crucial to note that this announced collaboration does not definitively confirm Rolls-Royce as the sole foreign technology partner for the AMCA’s future engine. India is still in the process of selecting its international collaborator for this critical component. Initial versions of the twin-engine, low-observability AMCA are slated to be powered by GE Aerospace’s F414 turbofan engines from the United States.

Rolls-Royce faces competition in this high-stakes race. French firm Safran is also actively engaged in discussions with India for the joint development of a new fighter jet engine. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had previously indicated in August 2025 that work with Safran on an aircraft engine development project in India was slated to commence, with that engine potentially intended for more advanced AMCA variants. The new partnership between Rolls-Royce and Reliance Industries adds a fresh dimension to this competitive landscape.

The AMCA program’s implementation model received approval from India in May 2025, with the Ministry of Defence designating the state-owned Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) as the lead entity. Significantly, the program encourages substantial involvement from the private sector, allowing Indian companies to participate either independently or through joint ventures and consortia. The first AMCA prototype is targeted for completion by 2028, with the ultimate vision for the aircraft to form a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s next-generation combat fleet.

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