Rolls-Royce and Snecma initiate joint engine studies
Rolls-Royce and Snecma have signed a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to undertake studies into the next generation of UK and French combat aircraft engines, through their 50:50 Rolls-Royce Snecma Ltd joint venture, established in 2001.
Rolls-Royce and Snecma have also announced that they have signed a collaboration agreement with BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation to work together to explore concepts and technologies as part of the Anglo French Future Combat Air Systems Demonstration Programme Preparation Phase contract.
Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce, president, customer business – defence, said: This collaboration agreement recognises the need for airframe and power and propulsion system suppliers to work together to deliver an optimised affordable solution for the next generation of combat aircraft for the UK and France. It represents an important step towards increased collaboration and, by combining the experience and expertise of Rolls-Royce and Snecma, we can contribute a huge amount to these studies.’
Didier Desnoyer, Snecma Vice President and General Manager, Military Engines, added: ‘This joint venture will capitalise on the long-standing collaboration between Safran and Rolls-Royce on military aircraft engines such as the Adour and TP400. Carrying on this tradition of tight-knit partnership, Rolls-Royce Snecma Ltd. is uniquely placed to access the advanced military propulsion expertise of the two parent companies, based on their proven track records of developing successful combat aircraft engines.”
Rolls-Royce said that the two companies unique access to the knowledge base, technology, infrastructure, supply chain and facilities would allow Rolls-Royce Snecma Ltd to offer a range of power and propulsion solutions for the next generation of combat air vehicle, whether based on derivatives of existing military powerplants or the development of novel power and propulsion concepts.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
