Midlands aerospace group Rolls-Royce is looking to expand its operation in the Far East and India.

It is thought to be considering setting up two plants in Singapore for making diesel engines and fuel cells,

According to one report, it might double its workforce there to 1,750 over the next five years.

And state-run Hindustan Aeronautics has signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on engine component design and manufacturing in India.

The agreement, which would allow a broader partnership between the two firms, could include a variety of work relating to design, manufacture and assembly of components for Rolls-Royce engines across various aerospace segments, HAL said.

HAL currently manufactures under license the Rolls' Adour engine for the Jaguar strike aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The Adour-871, to be manufactured by HAL, would also power Hawk advanced jet trainers for India whose deliveries are likely to start next year.

Rolls-Royce and US-based Bell Helicopter Textron are also partnering on a proposal to the Indian Army for its Shen Helicopter programme, for which it has offered the Bell-407 powered by Rolls Model 250 engines.

The Shen programme involves the purchase of up to 197 helicopters and a significant number of engines to be manufactured by HAL.

Rolls-Royce, which has had a 70-year-relationship with India, has set up its new wholly-owned subsidiary in Bangalore for the growing volume of engineering work it is sub-contracting to the country.

HAL has contributed ring forgings to Rolls for its Trent family of engines.