Rolls-Royce engines power a number of tactical aircraft. The AE1107C-Liberty turboshaft, is the powerplant of the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft under development for the US Marine Corps. This unique aircraft incorporates rotors that turn through 90 degrees, allowing the craft to lift vertically like a helicopter then transfer to forward flight, travelling at higher transit speeds than those achievable by helicopters.

The ShinMawya US-2 amphibious surface-skimming search and rescue aircraft uses two Rolls-Royce engine types - four AE 2100J turboprop engines, together with a T800 turboshaft engine to provide boundary layer control.

Several maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce engines. The latest generation Nimrod for the UK Ministry of Defence, the MRA4, sees the replacement of Rolls-Royce Spey engines that power today's Nimrod by a version of the BR710 turbofan that powers a range of swift, high-altitude inter-continental executive jets.

Special variants of the Bombardier Global Express and Gulfstream V executive jets have been produced for military VVIP transport and electronic reconnaissance usage, their extreme range and fuel efficiency making them ideal for long-loiter missions as well as long-haul journeys.