Reliance Industries - intent for partnrship for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine programme

DHARMESH BHATT (SEBI Regi. Research Analyst - (INH000009685) Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce [LSE-RR] have announced their intention to jointly pursue India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine programme, giving the British propulsion company a major prospective Indian industrial partner. The companies announced their strategic intent on 14 August. The proposed partnership would combine Rolls-Royce’s experience in advanced propulsion with Reliance’s technology, manufacturing scale and project execution capabilities. Reliance and Rolls-Royce will also explore establishing a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India. The proposed facility would support engine design, development, testing, manufacturing, production and through-life support. The proposed indigenous engine is expected to target later AMCA configurations. Initial aircraft are currently planned around the GE Aerospace F414. However, the Reliance–Rolls-Royce announcement is not an Indian government award, a signed joint venture or an engine development contract. The companies did not disclose the proposed ownership structure, investment, programme timetable or division of responsibility. France’s Safran has submitted a separate proposal to work with India’s state-run Gas Turbine Research Establishment on a higher-thrust engine for future AMCA versions. The announcement therefore strengthens Rolls-Royce’s position as India considers competing approaches to its long-term fighter-engine requirement. !RELIANCE