Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will receive six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits from GE Aerospace to power the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), currently under construction at Cochin Shipyard Limited.
The LM2500 gas turbine engine kits, renowned for their reliability and performance, were manufactured at GE's Evendale, Ohio facility. They will be shipped to HAL's Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore, where they will undergo final assembly and rigorous testing. This process aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, promoting domestic manufacturing and technological expertise.
This isn't the first time these two companies have collaborated. HAL has a long history of assembling, inspecting, and testing LM2500 gas turbines for the Indian Navy, having already delivered 22 engines for 11 naval vessels.
In 2023, GE Aerospace and HAL further solidified their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore expanding HAL's role to include the assembly, inspection, and testing of the LM500 marine gas turbine. This potential expansion could lead to HAL producing indigenous 4-megawatt gas turbine generators for future Indian naval vessels.
The LM2500 gas turbine enjoys a dominant position in the global market, powering naval ships in 39 navies worldwide, including a significant majority of the United States Navy fleet. Its proven track record, ease of maintenance, and global support network make it a preferred choice for naval propulsion. This continued collaboration between GE and HAL underscores the commitment to equipping the Indian Navy with cutting-edge technology and ensuring their vessels are ready for any challenge.
