SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy is intensifying efforts to achieve complete self-reliance in propulsion systems for its warships, aiming to transition to fully indigenous marine and diesel engines by 2047. This ambitious goal aligns with India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and bolster domestic defense manufacturing.
India currently relies heavily on external suppliers for marine propulsion systems. Ukraine has been a key provider of marine engines for several frontline warships. GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce supply advanced engines, including gas turbines, for high-performance naval platforms.
However, geopolitical challenges, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the need for strategic autonomy have accelerated efforts to develop indigenous solutions. The Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is working on the Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT), derived from the GTX-35VS Kaveri engine originally developed for India’s fighter jets.
This project represents a critical step in transitioning from aerospace to marine propulsion technology, leveraging the expertise developed during the Kaveri program. The Indian Navy also plans to develop a marine gas turbine based on the AMCA engine, which is currently under development for India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
In parallel, the Navy is exploring collaborations with Indian private sector manufacturers to develop locally-made diesel engines for smaller ships and auxiliary vessels. Indian companies with expertise in heavy engineering and engine manufacturing are being engaged to design and produce engines that meet naval standards.
Indigenous engines will ensure a steady supply of spares and reduce downtime for maintenance plus local manufacturing will lower the lifecycle costs of propulsion systems.