Rolls-Royce’s Strategic Partnerships Set to Transform India’s Defence Manufacturing!

At Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, Rolls-Royce announced a landmark partnership with Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering to manufacture complex components for military aircraft engines. This collaboration aligns with India’s push for defense indigenization and aims to enhance the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to India’s defense sector.

Alex Zino, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Strong collaboration has been at the heart of Rolls-Royce’s journey of success in India.” The partnership with Azad Engineering is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s presence in the global supply chain for advanced aero engines.

Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Future Programmes for India and Southeast Asia at Rolls-Royce Defence, highlighted the strategic value of the agreement. He pointed out that it represents a significant step toward leveraging Indian companies in contributing to the nation’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, in line with India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant defense powerhouse.

Rakesh Chopdar, Founder and CEO of Azad Engineering, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are honoured to be chosen as a strategic partner by Rolls-Royce to make critical and complex components for defense aircraft engines.” This partnership not only demonstrates Azad Engineering’s capabilities but also marks a significant moment in the development of India’s aerospace and defense industries.

The partnership is part of Rolls-Royce’s broader strategy to expand its supply chain in India, with plans to double its sourcing from the country by 2030. This initiative supports the Indian government’s goal for greater global supply chain integration and is expected to significantly bolster India’s manufacturing capabilities, contributing to its economic resilience.

Rolls-Royce has a long-standing relationship with the Indian Armed Forces, with over 1,400 engines powering Indian military aircraft, the Indian Army’s Arjun Main Battle Tank, and numerous vessels of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The collaboration with Azad Engineering further strengthens this relationship and supports India’s efforts toward defense indigenization.

In addition to the Azad Engineering partnership, Rolls-Royce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Triveni Engineering and Industries Limited to explore opportunities in marine gas turbine generators. The company has also partnered with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers for the production and localization of its Series 4000 governmental marine engines in India.

These initiatives highlight Rolls-Royce’s commitment to building a strong presence in India through local partnerships, contributing to the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). By integrating Indian companies into its global supply chain, Rolls-Royce is playing a key role in the growth of India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance in critical technologies.