Rolls-Royce Leads the Race for India’s AMCA Mk2 Engine Partnership as High-Level Delegation Visits UK Facility

India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has taken a significant step forward as a senior Indian defence delegation recently visited the Rolls-Royce facility in Bristol, United Kingdom. This high-profile visit signals growing strategic defence cooperation between India and the UK and has further strengthened Rolls-Royce’s position as a frontrunner to partner in developing the engine for the AMCA Mk2 fighter.

Strengthening Defence Ties

The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and included the High Commissioner of India to the UK, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, along with several top Ministry of Defence officials and industry representatives. During their visit, they closely examined Rolls-Royce’s latest advancements in aero engines, naval propulsion systems, and cutting-edge defence technologies.

This engagement is part of the broader India-UK defence relationship built upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 2030 Roadmap agreements, both of which promote collaboration in defence technology development and industrial partnerships.

The AMCA Program and Its Engine Challenge

The AMCA is a next-generation stealth fighter being developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The AMCA is designed to feature advanced stealth technology, supercruise capability (the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners), and cutting-edge avionics, aiming to significantly upgrade the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet by the early 2030s.

One of the most critical aspects of the AMCA program is developing a high-performance engine. While initial prototypes of the AMCA Mk1 are expected to fly using the American GE F414 engine — which produces about 98 kN of thrust — the future AMCA Mk2 will require a more powerful, indigenous or jointly-developed engine in the 110-130 kN thrust class to fully meet the aircraft’s fifth-generation performance standards.

Why Rolls-Royce is Emerging as the Top Choice

Rolls-Royce, a globally respected name in aerospace propulsion, is being seen as a strong contender for this partnership. The company’s track record includes engines like the EJ200 that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon and its ongoing work in the UK’s Tempest sixth-generation fighter program.

During the delegation’s tour, Rolls-Royce showcased several advanced technologies relevant to India’s future defence needs:

• Aero Engines: Latest developments in high-thrust, fuel-efficient turbofan engines suitable for stealth fighters, including adaptive cycle engine technology capable of changing performance modes in flight.

• Naval Propulsion Systems: Gas turbines and integrated electric propulsion systems, which could support future Indian Navy projects such as indigenous aircraft carriers and the Next Generation Destroyers (NGD).

• Niche Defence Technologies: Innovations in additive manufacturing (3D printing), AI-based predictive maintenance for engines, and research into sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen propulsion concepts.

Focus on Co-Development and Industrial Collaboration

Discussions during the visit centred on co-developing advanced engine technologies and integrating Indian defence companies into Rolls-Royce’s global supply chain. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combining India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities with Rolls-Royce’s technical expertise to develop cutting-edge systems and create economic opportunities.

This partnership approach aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence production while incorporating world-class technology through meaningful international collaborations.

India has long sought a reliable partner for developing the AMCA’s high-thrust engine, previously engaging in talks with both Rolls-Royce and French engine maker Safran. With this recent visit, Rolls-Royce has strengthened its position as the leading candidate for this crucial project.

If a formal agreement is reached, it would mark a significant milestone for the AMCA program and India’s defence industry, potentially positioning India among a select group of nations capable of designing and producing advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft with homegrown or co-developed propulsion systems.

As India moves closer to finalising its engine partner, all eyes remain on the evolving India-UK defence partnership and the critical role Rolls-Royce may play in powering the Indian Air Force’s future air superiority platform.