Navy's modernisation drive paves way to develop indigenous capability'

CHENNAI: Rolls-Royce, which has been contributing to the sustainable growth of India's aerospace and defence ecosystem for over 85 years, is looking towards establishing a robust ecosystem that will engage in co-creation across the entire value-chain — from research, design and development to manufacturing, maintenance and repair.

“The products being offered to Indian Navy include engines, ship design, gas turbines, propulsors, electrical power systems, underway replenishment, propellers and water jets, cranes and handling systems, etc. Recent orders include supply of stern gear for seven Indian Naval Frigates and five Indian naval OPVs,” says Kishore Jayaraman, President — India & South Asia, Rolls-Royce.

In an interview in connection with the DefExpo 2018 at Thiruvidanthai near here in which Rolls-Royce participated, Mr. Jayaraman said Indian Navy's major modernisation initiative unfolds opportunity to develop indigenous capabilities. Here are the excerpts.

You have been playing a crucial role in powering the Indian navy too. What are the future opportunities that you foresee in this sector?
Rolls-Royce is a long-term partner of Indian Navy and we hope to build on our distinguished legacy and long-standing partnership with them. We are proud of the fact that over 40 Indian Navy and 41 Coast Guard vessels are powered with Rolls-Royce equipment. Indian Navy's major modernisation drive presents an opportunity to develop indigenous capability for design and manufacturing of ships, submarines and subsystems. Our extensive product base and experience in both ship design and propulsion and power systems integration, enables Rolls-Royce to contribute to system selection, the interfacing of the propulsion system to the ship structure, ship services, auxiliary systems and ancillaries.

The products being offered to Indian Navy include engines, ship design, gas turbines, propulsors, electrical power systems, underway replenishment, propellers and water jets, cranes and handling systems, etc. Recent orders include supply of stern gear for seven Indian Naval frigates and five Indian naval OPVs. In addition, MT30 has been selected for the Italian Navy's new multi-purpose amphibious vessel. This new vessel, the Landing Helicopter Dock, will be the sixth naval platform to feature the MT30, making it the gas turbine of choice for many of the world's advanced naval programmes. The MT30 can be offered as part of an integrated power and propulsion system together with a wide range of Rolls-Royce marine products.

Do you envisage any role in the establishment of the defence industrial corridor in TN, if so what kind of a role?
With focus on modernisation of Indian armed forces, we remain committed to supporting the country's vision of achieving indigenisation and self-reliance. Today, we are building capabilities across engineering, manufacturing, digital, supply chain and customer support and are well-positioned to support India's growing infrastructure requirements. As an industrial technology company, we are pioneering the power that matters to our customers and are ready to embrace future growth opportunities.

Centre is keen on positioning India as a global manufacturing hub in defence. Where do you think your company with its vast experience and expertise could contribute?
Rolls-Royce is committed to the India market and has been contributing to the sustainable growth of India's aerospace & defence ecosystem for over 85 years now.  We are looking towards establishing a robust ecosystem that will engage in co-creation across the entire value-chain - from research, design and development to manufacturing, maintenance and repair. This will further enable us to fulfill our vision of making in India for India and the world. Our engineering centres in Bangalore and Pune are examples of our commitment to India and our vision. Our JV with Force Motors will manufacture Series 1600 engines for the domestic and global markets in a new facility in Goa.  Additionally, we extended our supply chain partnership with Godrej & Boyce for manufacturing of aero engine components. This will enable us to meet our customers' strategic requirements in quality, cost and delivery.