SOURCE: AFI
The third joint working group (JWG) meeting of the UK-India Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership was recently held at the Portsmouth Naval Base, UK. Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy and Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary Naval Systems, the meeting marked a significant step in the collaboration between the two nations on electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy.
A pivotal moment during the meeting was the signing of a Statement of Intent, affirming both nations’ commitment to jointly design and develop electric propulsion systems tailored to the Indian Navy’s needs, particularly for the new Landing Dock Platforms (LPDs) planned for launch in 2030.
To ensure seamless execution, the JWG agreed to establish a subordinate working group tasked with developing an Implementing Arrangement (IA). This document, once reviewed and signed, will serve as the foundation for the programme’s next phase.
The programme’s immediate focus is the development of electric propulsion systems for India’s next-generation LPDs, drawing on lessons learned from the UK’s experiences with various naval platforms, including the Type 23 frigates, Type-45 destroyers, and the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
UK’s expertise, spanning decades of advancements in electric propulsion, will inform India’s design process. The UK’s journey from the Invincible-class aircraft carriers to the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers demonstrates the operational efficiency and sustainability of electric propulsion systems.
Electric propulsion systems, even when paired with diesel generators, result in significantly lower emissions, aligning with global efforts toward greener naval technologies. The quiet operation of electric propulsion systems provides a tactical edge in naval warfare, making vessels harder to detect.
The Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, weighing 65,000 tonnes, operate efficiently with just two gas turbines and four diesel engines, a stark improvement over the older Invincible-class carriers of 22,000 tonnes, which required four gas turbines and eight diesel generators.
The development of electric propulsion systems aligns with India’s goal to enhance its navy’s capabilities, especially as the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) becomes a critical geopolitical arena. This partnership strengthens defence ties between India and the UK, setting the stage for long-term technological collaboration and co-development. Adopting electric propulsion will bolster the Indian Navy’s ability to operate efficiently while adhering to environmental standards.
This partnership signifies a new era of innovation and sustainability in naval technology, with both nations poised to benefit from shared expertise and strategic alignment. The successful integration of electric propulsion systems will not only modernize the Indian Navy but also underscore the potential of collaborative defence initiatives.