New Delhi: Reliance and global aerospace major Rolls-Royce have joined forces to explore the development and manufacture of engines for India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, a move aimed at strengthening the country's defence manufacturing capabilities.

The availability of suitable aircraft engines has remained a major challenge for India's efforts to develop advanced fighter aircraft, with the country having traditionally relied on foreign suppliers for critical propulsion systems.

According to a joint statement issued by the companies, the partnership will explore the establishment of an aerospace and gas turbine manufacturing facility in India.

The proposed facility is envisaged as an integrated centre covering engine design, development, manufacturing, testing and assembly, besides supporting long-term maintenance and lifecycle requirements, the statement said.

The partnership will combine Rolls-Royce's expertise in aircraft engine technology with Reliance's capabilities in technology, manufacturing and project execution, it said.

A key objective of the collaboration is to develop an indigenous engine for India's advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, the companies said.

The proposed initiative is expected to strengthen domestic capabilities in aircraft propulsion and contribute to the broader effort to reduce dependence on imported critical defence technologies.