SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a landmark step toward achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, the Indian Navy signed a ?270 crore project sanction order with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL) on April 2, 2025, for the design and development of a 6MW medium-speed marine diesel engine. This contract, executed under the Make-I category, not only aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported high-capacity diesel engines but also lays the foundation for a scalable 3-10MW engine family, with KOEL confidently asserting its capability to develop a 10MW, 20-cylinder variant based on the V12, 6MW design.
This initiative, celebrated as a pivotal moment for India’s defense industrial ecosystem, will power the propulsion and generation systems of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard vessels, strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Historically, India has relied on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for high-capacity marine diesel engines, with ships like the Brahmaputra-class frigate INS Beas being upgraded with imported 6MW Caterpillar engines as recently as 2024. The ?270 crore deal with KOEL, headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, marks a strategic shift to indigenize critical propulsion technology. The project, funded 70% by the Government of India, will deliver a prototype 6MW medium-speed marine diesel engine with over 50% indigenous content, developed entirely in-house by KOEL.
The contract also includes the development of detailed designs for engines scalable from 3MW to 10MW, providing flexibility for various naval and coast guard platforms. KOEL has expressed confidence in scaling the V12, 6MW variant to a 20-cylinder, 10MW engine, which would cater to larger vessels requiring higher power output. This ambition aligns with the Indian Navy’s need for robust, domestically produced engines to power its growing fleet, including frigates, destroyers, and patrol vessels, amidst a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the IOR.
KOEL, a leader in internal combustion engines and power generation systems with over 75 years of expertise, is well-positioned to spearhead this project. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and strong R&D capabilities have earned it accolades, including the Maharashtra Ratna 2010 and multiple national awards for energy management and sustainability. Gauri Kirloskar, Managing Director of KOEL, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “This is a proud moment for all of us at Kirloskar Oil Engines, and I am sure that with the technical and R&D strength that we have, we will be able to deliver yet another world-class product to the Indian Navy.”
The 6MW medium-speed marine diesel engine, based on a V12 configuration, is designed for main propulsion and power generation, offering reliability and efficiency for naval operations. The proposed 10MW, 20-cylinder variant, an evolution of the 6MW design, would significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to power larger vessels, such as next-generation frigates and destroyers, which require higher thrust and sustained operational endurance. The scalability of the engine family ensures versatility, catering to a range of platforms from offshore patrol vessels to larger warships.
Strategically, the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), reducing foreign exchange expenditure and dependence on foreign OEMs. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the initiative will “act as a catalyst for the development of a defense industrial ecosystem in the country,” fostering collaboration between the Navy, Coast Guard, and private sector players like KOEL. This is particularly critical as India navigates maritime security challenges in the IOR, where maintaining operational autonomy is paramount.
Developing a 6MW marine diesel engine, and potentially a 10MW variant, is a complex endeavor requiring rigorous testing to meet stringent naval standards for reliability, durability, and performance in harsh maritime environments. KOEL will need to ensure seamless integration with existing naval platforms while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Scaling the design to 10MW will demand additional R&D to address technical challenges, such as thermal management and structural integrity in a 20-cylinder configuration.
However, KOEL’s track record, including its global presence in power generation and industrial sectors, positions it well to overcome these hurdles. The project’s success could open doors for KOEL to supply engines to international markets, positioning India as a hub for marine propulsion technology. Posts on X have highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding the project, with users noting the V12, 6MW engine’s potential and the 10MW variant’s promise for larger naval applications.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.