Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 10 (ANI): Rolls-Royce on Thursday expressed its intent to collaborate with the Indian Navy to design and deploy the country’s first electric warship, marking a major milestone in India’s pursuit of sustainable and future-ready naval capabilities.
Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President for India and Southeast Asia, Defence, Rolls-Royce, said the company is well-positioned to support India’s naval modernization with a portfolio that includes hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion systems. “Rolls-Royce is well-positioned to support India’s naval modernization with the right mix of products, expertise, and experience in delivering integrated hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion systems,” Singh said.
He noted that Rolls-Royce’s MT30 engine has set new benchmarks in power, density, and reliability, and the company continues to support a large global base of engines. “We are committed to working closely with Indian Navy operations to provide next-generation solutions that align with India’s vision of building a modern and self-reliant defense force,” he added.
According to a press statement, the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, arrived in Mumbai as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment. The HMS Prince of Wales is powered by Rolls-Royce’s MT30 marine gas turbine, which forms the core of its Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system. Two MT30 gas turbine alternators, each generating 36 MW, along with four medium-speed diesel generators, deliver a combined output of 109 MW—enough to power a small town.
Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, Rolls-Royce, said the company is proud to play a central role in powering the Carrier Strike Group. “Its visit to India provides a wonderful opportunity to familiarize Indian defense customers with our world-leading naval technologies that can strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational reach, resilience, and readiness,” he said.
Zino added that Rolls-Royce is expanding its supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and defense engineering capabilities in India, positioning itself as a strong partner in the country’s defense modernization efforts across air, land, and sea domains.
The CSG’s other vessels, including HMS Richmond and an Astute-class submarine, also feature Rolls-Royce propulsion systems, ranging from the Spey marine gas turbine to nuclear steam-raising plants.
With a legacy spanning over 90 years in India, Rolls-Royce has built strong local partnerships, academic collaborations, and a robust engineering ecosystem. More than 1,400 Rolls-Royce engines currently power platforms of the Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army, supported by a workforce of over 4,000 across its Indian operations.
Globally, Rolls-Royce is a leading provider of propulsion solutions for advanced maritime programs. The company’s focus on electrification and hybrid technologies is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s future naval projects as the nation moves toward developing its first electric warship.
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