**London**: Rolls-Royce has unveiled plans to double its supply chain sourcing from India over the next five years, focusing on advanced aerospace components and committing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and strengthen partnerships in the defence sector.
On Monday, aerospace giant Rolls-Royce announced its plan to double its supply chain sourcing from India over the next five years. This initiative aims to increase the sourcing of intricate components for advanced aerospace engines, naval propulsion systems, diesel engines, and gas turbine engines, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Indian defence sector.
Currently, Rolls-Royce engages with various Indian partners to procure a diverse array of high-precision parts and engine components for its civil aerospace, defence, and power systems sectors. However, the company did not disclose the overall monetary value of these sourced products.
Speaking to Zee Business, Rolls-Royce Chief Transformation Officer Nicola Grady-Smith noted, “India is fast emerging as a preferred hub for global sourcing, and we are looking to broaden our partnerships here to support both our business growth and the government of India’s vision to ‘Make in India for the world’.”
Rolls-Royce has reportedly contributed to enhancing the country’s manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that they meet the highest international quality standards. Grady-Smith highlighted the need to reinforce relationships with both existing and prospective Indian suppliers to help cultivate the ability to manufacture complex engine components locally for global markets.
The company has developed a robust ecosystem of strategic partnerships, skilled workforce, engineering and digital proficiencies, as well as service delivery and manufacturing functionalities in India. This strategy follows a history of successful technology transfers for licensed production of various engines within the defence sector.
According to Alex Zino, Rolls-Royce’s Executive Vice President for Business Development and Future Programmes in Defence, “India plays a significant role in our long-term strategy, both as a sourcing hub and as a strategic partner in advancing defence technologies.” Zino further emphasised that enhancing the supply chain and the capabilities within the ecosystem at this juncture will lay a solid groundwork for future co-production opportunities, ultimately supporting India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant defence powerhouse.
Rolls-Royce maintains joint ventures with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Force Motors, along with long-established relationships with Tata, Bharat Forge, Godrej & Boyce, among others, for the manufacturing and sourcing of complex parts essential to its operations in India. This move not only signifies a broadened commitment to the Indian market but also highlights the evolving power dynamics between customers and suppliers, with Rolls-Royce positioning itself to leverage India’s growing manufacturing potential in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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