Beyond IPR Transfer for AMCA Engine, Rolls-Royce Pledges Deep Collaboration with India for Complete Self-Reliance and Exports

Rolls-Royce, the British aerospace and defence giant, has signaled its strong interest in a deep partnership with India to co-develop a next-generation engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

This collaboration aims to go beyond a simple transfer of intellectual property rights (IPR), focusing instead on building indigenous capabilities for India's long-term defence self-sufficiency and potential export opportunities.

Rolls-Royce is proposing a collaborative model designed to boost India's goal of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in the defence sector. The company stated that its proposed engine co-development will offer India the chance to "create and own" the intellectual property for crucial combat engine technology.

This includes the potential not just to manufacture the engine, but also perform future upgrades and pursue export sales. This partnership aims to provide India with both the practical skills ("know-how") and the fundamental engineering understanding ("know-why") necessary for sustained technological advancement.

This comprehensive approach is crucial. Sharing both the "know-how" (the practical knowledge of building and maintaining the engine) and the "know-why" (the underlying engineering principles and design rationale) is intended to give India a strong foundation for future engine development programs. This level of engagement signifies a long-term commitment to fostering innovation within India's defence technology ecosystem.

The AMCA program, led by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a crucial project to design and build a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Key features of the AMCA include advanced avionics, improved aerodynamic design, and cutting-edge weaponry.

The development of a domestically produced engine, potentially with the expertise of a company like Rolls-Royce, would represent a significant milestone for India's aerospace industry.

A successful partnership could have far-reaching consequences. It would allow India to acquire essential technologies, provide a foundation for future fighter jet projects, and potentially create new export markets for Indian-made defence equipment.

The Indian government's decision on the engine co-development will be a decisive factor in determining the trajectory of its indigenous fighter aircraft capabilities for decades to come.

Currently India is using GE made F404 and F414, engines in its LCA Tejas and Tejas MK2 program. The successful development of an indigenous engine would lessen India's reliance on foreign suppliers for this critical component.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to quickly decide. It will also take about 8-10 years just to 100% indigenously design, develop, manufacture and test the engine thoroughly. It will be expensive but we have no alternative if we want 100% of the technology, IPR and make it all in India.

 

[Bob]

Are there any modern fighter jets running on RR engines?

 

[Surfer]

Not sure where you're getting your info from, but one of the reasons why France left the talks for the Eurofighter program was their insistence that the SNECMA/SAFRAN M88 engine be used for the aircraft, and the other countries refused to agree with this. The EJ200 was based on the Rolls-Royce XG40 engine. One has nothing to do with the other. There may be common features in both the M88, and EJ200, but there was no shared information between Rolls-Royce, and SNECMA, as far as I know. Please do correct me if I am wrong.

SNECMA M88 engine was not even ready at that time of EF Typhoon development, it was first tested in 1990, until then Rafale’s were flying with GE F404, where as EJ 200 was derived in 1986 from UK’s XG-40 made in the 1980’s.

 

[vyoma]

Yes that too needs to speed up. As the mother ship, RR is far advanced in metallurgical knowledge and the most advanced in proven engine technology. India stands to further upgrade engine efficiencies and make them less power consuming.

We have to take it for what it is out for public consumption. We still have no idea about the devils in the details.

1. We have a poor production engineering process in the public sector - for example, see how L&T can do the rivet automation for Tejas wings. HAL is very lethargic and archaic in approaches. GTRE is the worst. I'd say, that zilch management expertise, can influence higher-ups to get the right funds. scaredy cats, and not confident about what they are doing. 65% thrust achievements can't be a pat on the back.

2. It is not enough to demonstrate, but that is a stepping stone. Fast-tracking is needed with GTRE just focused on R&D and privately doing even a 70% share on technology, specifically in jigs, production engineering, etc. We need more laser weldings, mig welding, metal arc, etc. Just copy LM for what they do. It is not about the know-how, and the know-why part must be privatized. For engine blades, like Godrej, engage L&T as well or other players for SC blades, Blisks, et al. Get GTRE role more on R&D, and program management. Some leader's heads must roll!

3. Program-driven and not delinked projects. Kaveri was delinked, and it loses stem. Both the INC and BJP gov have no clue what this super duper technology needs. Huge investments.. and no experts are representing/leading this section well. There is a huge lack of leadership here.

4. Commitment is not in small numbers. 60 squadrons should be a good motivation, not for foreign suppliers like Rafale and Su57, but for Mk2, TEDBF/ORCA, and AMCA. We are not bold enough to say, put Kaveri with 81kN on the Mk1a platform, and test it out. We could develop complete shut-off, and eject the entire aircraft with an ejection balloon system, .. ideas aplenty. Ask me. We have no drive to look at the bright future. We are lethargic here too. chalta hai.

5. Only an external trigger we respond to. Very reactive culture. For example, China gives Pakistan J35 and whatnot. Shame on our strategists, leaders, and most importantly tech community.

Get everyone on board with all of the above.

 

[T.Rajesh]

It is of no use juggling over choices of engines and wasting precious time. It is imperative that an informed decision is taken at the very earliest. The Govt. of India should wake up to take the call. We should not lose sight of the fact that we are almost 15 squadrons short of our sanctioned strength.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Neither GE, Rolls-Royce, Safran, nor the Russians will transfer any meaningful technology, especially metallurgy, manufacturing, milling, high-end machines, or hot end. Rolls-Royce took India for a ride during the Jaguar deal, the French during the Mirage 2000 and Rafale deals, and the worst are the Russians with their MiG or Su-30 deals for engines. The Americans, before selling, are showing their true colors.

First and foremost, GTRE and HAL, on their own, cannot design and manufacture an engine. An aerospace commission must be set up, headed by a financially empowered IAF, DRDO, ADA, and GTRE board of directors.

A financially empowered Indian with world-class manufacturing experience in aero engines must be appointed as CEO. Hiring of world-class talent from all over the world, especially engineers and scientists on the verge of retiring or retired, must be hired based on experience.

A public-private partnership with HAL, DRDO, ADA, GTRE, BEL, Tatas, L&T, Bharat Forge, Godrej, PTC, and all other public and private companies must be formed by floating shares and issuing them. The government must hold 49% whilst the public and other entities 51%. Float a public issue and raise the amount required.

Build infrastructure, research, and testing facilities, including a High Altitude test facility and a Flying Test Bed. A world-class heavy-duty press and sponsor apprenticeships to brilliant, motivated engineering graduates to Pratt & Whitney, GE, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and Russian institutes.

Set up a feeder institute for engineers, scientists, metallurgists, material scientists, and technicians for grooming talent. Induct a few world-class scientists, engineers, foremen, and engine designers on contract.

Monitor the progress of the engine projects with clearly defined goals, objectives, and clearly laid down responsibility and accountability. Rewards and termination of contracts must be enforced. Results will follow.

There must be no approvals, grants, or files to be pushed, and babus must be kept at length, away from the project.