Rolls-Royce has announced its intention to collaborate with the Indian Navy in designing and deploying the country’s first electric warship, marking a milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable and future-ready naval power.

Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President for India and South East Asia (Defence) at Rolls-Royce, said the company is well-positioned to support India’s naval modernisation goals through its portfolio of hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion systems.

“Rolls-Royce is ideally placed to back India’s naval transformation with the right mix of products, expertise, and experience in delivering integrated electric propulsion solutions,” Singh stated. He highlighted that the company’s MT30 marine gas turbine had set new standards for power density and reliability, forming a cornerstone of advanced naval propulsion technology worldwide.

Singh added, “We are committed to working closely with the Indian Navy to deliver next-generation solutions that align with India’s vision of a modern, self-reliant defence force.”

The announcement coincided with the visit of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, which arrived in Mumbai as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment. The carrier is powered by Rolls-Royce’s MT30 marine gas turbines, which form the heart of its Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system. Two MT30 alternators, each producing 36 MW, together with four diesel generators, provide a total output of 109 MW—sufficient to power a small town.

Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes, UK and International, said, “Rolls-Royce is proud to power the HMS Prince of Wales and play a central role in the Carrier Strike Group. Its visit to India offers an opportunity to showcase our world-leading naval technologies that can strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational reach and readiness.”

He added that Rolls-Royce is expanding its supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and defence engineering footprint in India, further solidifying its role as a strategic partner in the nation’s defence modernisation across air, land, and sea.

Other vessels in the Carrier Strike Group, including HMS Richmond and an Astute-class submarine, also operate on Rolls-Royce propulsion systems, ranging from the Spey marine gas turbine to nuclear steam-raising plants.

With over 90 years of presence in India, Rolls-Royce has built enduring partnerships, academic collaborations, and a robust engineering ecosystem. More than 1,400 Rolls-Royce engines currently power platforms across the Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army, supported by a 4,000-strong workforce in India.

Globally, Rolls-Royce is a leader in maritime propulsion and electrification technologies. The company believes its advancements in electric and hybrid propulsion will play a key role in India’s future naval projects, particularly as the country moves closer to developing its first electric warship.