SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is determined to reduce its dependency on Ukraine for gas turbine engines built by Zorya-Mashproekt by developing indigenous alternatives, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine raises concerns about the country’s stability. This move will have significant implications for India’s future warship programs, as more than 150 Zorya-Mashproekt gas turbine engines are currently in operation on Indian Navy ships.
While India’s marine gas turbine programs have a long way to go, the country is actively seeking collaboration with GE Marine to develop India-specific marine gas turbine engines. These engines will replace some of the older Ukrainian engines and power the next generation of warships in the Indian Navy.
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) already assembles LM2500 marine gas turbine engines, manufactured by GE Marine, within the country. HAL has successfully delivered 22 LM2500 gas turbines for 11 Indian naval vessels, including the indigenously manufactured aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline warships such as those in the P-17 and P-17A series.
In addition to the collaboration with GE Marine, India is also making progress in developing the Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT), the country’s first marine gas engine. The KMGT is rated at 12MW and possesses the power equivalent to a 16MW gas turbine. However, the engine’s full-scale production is still a few years away as issues related to its aero-engine variant are being addressed.
However, the transition to indigenous engines is a complex and time-consuming process that requires extensive research, development, and testing. Collaborations with global partners, like GE Marine, play a vital role in accelerating this process by leveraging their expertise and experience in marine gas turbine technology.
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