Rolls-Royce announced its goal to double its sourcing from India over the next five years, aiming to enhance its supply chain for advanced aerospace engines, naval propulsion systems, and other power systems. This move is aligned with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in India’s defense sector.
The company currently sources various high-precision parts and engine components from Indian suppliers for its civil aerospace, defense, and power systems divisions. However, it has not revealed the total value of these sourced products.
According to Nicola Grady-Smith, Chief Transformation Officer at Rolls-Royce, “India is rapidly becoming a key global sourcing hub, and we aim to deepen our partnerships here. This aligns with both our growth plans and the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ vision.”
Grady-Smith also noted that Rolls-Royce has helped build in-country manufacturing capabilities that meet top global standards, adding, “Our focus now is to strengthen relationships with both current and future suppliers to develop the local manufacturing of complex engine components for international markets.”
The company has built a robust network in India, including strategic partnerships, skilled talent, and advanced engineering and digital capabilities. This foundation follows successful technology transfers for licensed production of various defense engines.
Alex Zino, Rolls-Royce’s Executive VP for Business Development and Future Programmes, stated, “India is critical to our long-term strategy, not only as a sourcing hub but also as a partner in advancing defense technologies. Strengthening our supply chain and ecosystem now will lay the groundwork for future co-production opportunities, supporting India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant defense leader.”
The company has established joint ventures with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Force Motors and has long-term partnerships with companies like Tata, Bharat Forge, and Godrej & Boyce for the manufacture and sourcing of complex parts. Rolls-Royce also employs over 2,000 highly skilled engineers in India, contributing to global development efforts.
Rolls-Royce designs and delivers advanced power and propulsion solutions for critical applications across air, sea, and land. Its products and service packages support connectivity between people, societies, and economies, while also meeting the rising demand for power generation across multiple industries. Additionally, the company equips governments with the necessary power solutions to support their armed forces.
With a global presence spanning over 150 countries, Rolls-Royce serves more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and over 5,000 power and nuclear customers. Committed to sustainability, Rolls-Royce is focused on making its products compatible with net-zero carbon emissions.
In 2023, the company reported an annual underlying revenue of £15.41 billion and an underlying operating profit of £1.6 billion. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: RR.) and as an American Depositary Receipt (ADR: RYCEY). For over 60 years, Rolls-Royce Submarines has been responsible for designing, supplying, and supporting the nuclear propulsion systems for all of the UK Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines. The company provides Nuclear Steam Raising Plants and key secondary propulsion components to the UK Ministry of Defence, managing these assets throughout their lifecycle.