![Indian Navy Charts Course Towards Complete Self-Reliance in Marine Engines Indian Navy Charts Course Towards Complete Self-Reliance in Marine Engines](https://i0.wp.com/www.financialexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kaveri-Marine-Gas-Turbine-KMGT-by-DRDO-FE.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1)
In a significant move towards bolstering national security and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, the Indian Navy has embarked on an ambitious plan to indigenously develop a range of marine engines for its warships.
Currently, the Navy relies on a mix of diesel engines and gas turbines procured from countries like Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, this dependence poses challenges in terms of supply chain vulnerabilities and long-term maintenance.
To address these issues, the Navy has prioritized the development of diesel engines suitable for medium-class warships. Collaborations with Indian companies experienced in commercial diesel gensets and smaller vessel engines are already underway, with the Navy partially funding these projects to accelerate domestic expertise and production capabilities.
For larger warships, the focus is on developing gas turbine engines. The Navy is in talks with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to develop a new and improved variant of the Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT). This modified version of the Dry Kaveri engine, with its low-pressure configuration and free-power turbine, is expected to offer efficient power generation and maintain consistent output even in hot climates, making it well-suited for Indian conditions.
In addition, the Navy is exploring the co-development of electric propulsion systems for larger vessels in collaboration with the United Kingdom. This technology, if manufactured locally, could significantly enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Looking further into the future, the Navy is considering adapting one of the jet engines being developed for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program as a potential marine gas turbine option for high-power requirements.
This ambitious roadmap aims to initiate trials of these domestically developed diesel engines and marine gas turbines by 2028-29, with the ultimate goal of achieving complete self-reliance in marine propulsion systems by 2040. This move not only strengthens India's defense capabilities but also fosters a thriving domestic shipbuilding industry.