Glenn Kelly, Vice President Rolls-Royce Customer Business India - Defence

: Which are RR’s on-going defence programmes in India?

We have a long standing relationship with India’s armed forces, which goes back to the time when our engine powered the first aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Since then, we have continuously built and strengthened this relationship, turning this to one that will extend far into the future. Today, more than 750 engines of 10 different types power various Indian military aircraft, from combat and strike aircraft (the Jaguar, powered by the Adour Mk811) to trainers (Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer, powered by Adour Mk871) to strategic airlift aircraft (C-130J Hercules, powered by AE2100) and even VVIP and Surveillance aircraft (ERJ145, powered by AE3007), our engines power the whole gamut of aircraft with the Indian military. Apart from this, we have a broad range of service support capabilities and have already established highly effective service partnerships in India.

: How do you support missionreadiness of the Indian Armed Forces?

We deliver the best possible support to today’s aircraft fleets, including those that have been in service for many years. We are providing our most advanced service support right up to MissionCare on some fleets, drawing upon on our experience of best global civil and military practices. Our Field Service Representatives (FSR) work in close coordination with IAF personnel to maximise the availability of engines on wings and provide on-ground technical advice directly to our customers, thereby dramatically reducing maintenance and overhaul times.

: How are you positioned to support India’s future indigenous programmes?

India has great indigenous capacity and capability to design, develop and manufacture leading-edge combat aircraft engines. This can be further accelerated by technology transfer and close collaboration with international partners. We are uniquely placed to support India’s future requirements as we are the only whole engine company to have transferred full capability outside our home market and have executed successful international combat engine programmes.

Further, our collaboration with HAL for over 60 years proves that we have the technology and capability to support the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. We are proud to be a leading provider of power to the Indian Armed Forces, and our commitment to support India to achieve its goals of indigenisation and self-reliance remains as strong as ever.

: What are RR’s future proposals for the Indian Military?

These include the powerplant for the Shinmaywa US- 2i, which amphibious aircraft can play an important role in India’s maritime security. The aircraft’s four AE2100 engines are the same as those that power the C130J, and there is also a boundary layer control system using the Rolls-Royce CTS800 engine to assist with take-off and landing. We are also keenly anticipating conclusion of the AWACS contract negotiations, a vital capability which will be based on the Airbus A330 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. We are naturally also monitoring developments in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. With our capability and successful track record in international combat programmes, I believe we are well placed to support the Indian desire for an indigenously designed and built future fighter programme.