SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defense technology, Larsen & Toubro’s Precision Engineering Systems (L&T PES) has successfully completed preliminary sea trials of its indigenously designed and developed 651 kW Waterjet Propulsion System. The system, boasting over 70% indigenous content, was tested aboard the Indian Navy’s Fast Interceptor Craft, marking a key milestone under the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. This achievement, announced on April 15, 2025, underscores India’s growing prowess in maritime engineering and the critical role of private sector innovation in bolstering naval capabilities.
The 651 kW (~885 hp) Waterjet Propulsion System is a testament to L&T’s engineering excellence and its commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. Designed by L&T PES, the system is tailored for high-speed naval operations, offering superior maneuverability, efficiency, and shallow-water performance. Waterjet propulsion, unlike conventional propellers, accelerates water through a pump to generate thrust, enabling rapid response and precise control—critical for Fast Interceptor Crafts used in coastal defense, surveillance, and anti-smuggling missions.
(Precision Engineering Systems IC) >70% IC content, successfully completed preliminary sea trials aboard Indian Navy’s Fast Interceptor Craft.” This achievement aligns with DRDO’s TDF scheme, which fosters collaboration between private industry, academia, and defense labs to develop cutting-edge technologies.
L&T, India’s leading private sector defense contractor, has a storied history of supporting the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Its Kattupalli and Hazira shipyards have delivered 54 Fast Interceptor Boats and seven Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Coast Guard, alongside naval assets like the Floating Dock (FDN-2). The company’s expertise extends to marine engineering systems, including steering gear, stabilizers, and torpedo launchers, with waterjet propulsion being a recent addition to its portfolio.
The 651 kW system, developed at L&T’s AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Surat, leverages state-of-the-art infrastructure and in-house R&D. With over 70% indigenous content, it reduces reliance on imported systems, aligning with India’s goal of self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. The system’s compact design, featuring in-built steering and braking, enhances maneuverability and supports high-speed operations, making it ideal for the Navy’s Fast Interceptor Crafts, which can exceed 45 knots (85 kmph).
Fast Interceptor Crafts are vital for coastal security, performing roles like day-and-night patrolling, high-speed interception, and search-and-rescue missions. The Indian Navy’s push for autonomous and high-speed vessels, as seen in trials of Autonomous Fast Interceptor Boats (A-FIBs) in 2024, underscores the need for advanced propulsion systems. The L&T waterjet system, with its high efficiency at speeds above 30 knots and low noise emissions, meets these stringent requirements, enhancing the Navy’s operational reach along India’s 5,422-km coastline and 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone.
The system’s indigenous development also addresses longstanding challenges in India’s naval propulsion landscape. As noted in a 2018 analysis, most naval propulsion systems are imported, with indigenous efforts still nascent. The 651 kW waterjet, alongside projects like the Gas Turbine Research Establishment’s Kaveri marine engine, signals a shift toward self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers like Ukraine’s Zorya or France’s Pielstick.
The successful trials open doors for further integration of L&T’s waterjet system across the Navy’s fleet, potentially powering future Interceptor Crafts and patrol vessels. The project’s >70% indigenous content strengthens India’s defense supply chain, fostering collaboration with MSMEs and creating jobs. L&T’s track record of partnering with DRDO, as seen in the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for Kalvari-class submarines, suggests potential for export opportunities to nations operating similar platforms.
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