Rolls-Royce India CEO Tufan Erginbilgic (L) meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Photo credit: ANI
British defense and aerospace company Rolls-Royce said on Thursday it is exploring opportunities in India that could potentially lead to a tenfold increase in the company’s supply chain from India.
Rolls-Royce said in a press statement a day after its CEO Tufan Erginbilgic met Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is currently exploring opportunities in India that include the potential joint development of a next-generation fighter jet engine, as well as partnerships to locate and manufacture engines for the Indian Army, Navy and Coast Guard, and potentially energy solutions for critical infrastructure and industrial solutions.
These initiatives could more than double the number of employees supporting Rolls-Royce and its partners to around 10,000 people in India, he said.
“We are committed to partnering India on its Atmanirbhar journey by developing self-propulsion capabilities, providing sustainable power to critical infrastructure and industry, and expanding local manufacturing for global supply chains,” the CEO’s statement quoted.
Backed by the UK government, Rolls-Royce proposed working with India to develop a powerful fighter engine core. The engine would be in the 120 kilonewton (kN) thrust class, the power level required for modern fighter aircraft. The joint development will ensure full technology transfer with IP ownership for India, supported by a dedicated design complex and manufacturing capabilities
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:38 IST