The announcement, made on Friday (August 14, 2026), brings together Rolls-Royce’s expertise in advanced propulsion and Reliance Industries’ capabilities in technology, manufacturing and large-scale project execution.
The proposed collaboration comes as India seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities in critical aerospace and defence technologies and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers for key military systems.
Proposed partnership to focus on AMCA engine
Under the proposed arrangement, Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce will explore establishing a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India, which is envisaged as a centre of excellence for advanced power and propulsion technologies.
The facility would seek to support the joint development of an engine for the AMCA programme in India.
The companies said the proposed initiative would focus on creating capabilities for the development of an indigenous aero-engine for the country's next-generation fighter aircraft.
The collaboration is also intended to support India's wider push towards self-reliance in strategically important defence technologies under the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Proposed complex could cover entire engine lifecycle
According to the companies, the proposed Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex would aim to develop an end-to-end Indian capability covering the design, development, manufacturing, testing and production of advanced aero-engines, along with through-life support.
The proposed facility could also provide a platform for wider cooperation in defence and civil aerospace, as well as emerging power and propulsion technologies.
The initiative would combine Rolls-Royce's long-standing experience in advanced engine technology with Reliance Industries' industrial infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities and execution scale in India.
Anant Ambani highlights strategic autonomy
Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, said developing domestic capabilities in critical technologies would be central to India's strategic autonomy.
“India’s strategic autonomy requires sovereign capability in critical technologies. Our intent with Rolls-Royce is to combine their world-leading expertise in advanced propulsion with Reliance’s technology, manufacturing, scale and execution capabilities to build an indigenous aero-engine ecosystem in India,” Ambani said.
He said the proposed collaboration was intended to establish a long-term national capability in advanced propulsion and eventually position India as a competitive player in the sector.
“Together, we aim to build an enduring national capability that can make India self-reliant and, over time, globally competitive in advanced propulsion technologies,” Ambani said.
He added, “This is our contribution to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat.”
Rolls-Royce calls proposed collaboration a 'major milestone'
Tufan Erginbilgiç, CEO of Rolls-Royce plc, welcomed the proposed collaboration and said the two companies brought complementary strengths to the initiative.
“I welcome the opportunity to join forces with Reliance Industries, bringing together our century-long heritage in advanced engineering and proven engine expertise with their homegrown leadership in Indian industry,” Erginbilgiç said.
Erginbilgiç said the proposed partnership, alongside Rolls-Royce's existing presence and collaborations in India, could contribute to the development of the country's aerospace ecosystem.
“Together, with our existing partnerships and capabilities in India, this marks a major milestone towards building a robust, self-reliant aerospace ecosystem in the country,” he said.
AMCA programme at centre of indigenous propulsion push
The AMCA is India's planned fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, with the development of an indigenous propulsion capability representing a key component of the country's broader effort to build advanced combat aircraft domestically.
The proposed Reliance-Rolls-Royce initiative would seek to create capabilities spanning the complete engine development and production cycle within India.
The companies said the proposed Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex could eventually support a sovereign Indian ecosystem covering advanced engine design, development, manufacturing, testing, production and long-term support, while also opening avenues for cooperation across the wider aerospace and power sectors.