In a strategic move designed to secure the operational readiness of the Indian Navy, the Russian Federation has formally proposed the establishment of a local production line in India for the M-90FR marine gas turbine engine.
The offer, reportedly tabled during high-level discussions amidst President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi, aims to provide a permanent solution to the supply chain crisis affecting India’s frontline warships due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Bridging the Supply Gap
The Indian Navy currently faces a critical challenge with its Russian-origin platforms, specifically the Talwar-class frigates and Krivak III-class corvettes. These vessels rely heavily on gas turbine engines manufactured by Ukraine’s Zorya-Mashproekt.Since February 2022, the geopolitical fallout and subsequent sanctions have severed the supply of essential spares from Kyiv, leaving an estimated 40 per cent of these ships facing reduced operational availability.
According to defence sources, the shortage of turbine blades and fuel pumps has led to maintenance delays stretching into months.
"This vulnerability has forced emergency workarounds, but it is unsustainable for blue-water operations," a senior naval officer stated, highlighting the urgency of finding a reliable alternative.
The M-90FR Solution
Moscow’s proposal centres on the M-90FR, a fourth-generation, 20-megawatt-class marine gas turbine developed by NPO Saturn and the United Engine Corporation (UEC).Engineered as a direct response to Russia's own need to replace Ukrainian engines after 2014, the M-90FR is now in serial production at Rybinsk.
The engine represents a significant technological leap over the older Ukrainian DT-59 units. It delivers 19,500 shaft horsepower (shp) in cruise mode, surging to roughly 27,000 shp with its afterburner engaged.
Crucially, the M-90FR offers a 25 per cent increase in efficiency and is compatible with a 70 per cent biofuels blend, aligning with the Indian Navy’s push for greener propulsion systems.
Its modular design allows for faster overhauls, while an extended time-between-overhaul (TBO) of 10,000 hours promises to reduce lifecycle costs by nearly 20 per cent.
Indigenisation and Manufacturing
Unlike previous "plug-and-play" import offers, this latest proposal emphasizes deep industrial collaboration.Russian officials have committed to a full transfer of technology (ToT), including critical capabilities such as single-crystal blade forging and digital twin simulation for predictive maintenance.
The plan envisages a dedicated assembly and manufacturing facility, potentially sited at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata or a new greenfield complex near Mumbai.
"The aim is to achieve 60–70 per cent indigenisation within five years," a Russian official noted, underscoring the long-term strategic value of the deal.
Strategic Implications
For the Indian Navy, securing a domestic supply of these engines is vital.With additional Talwar-class frigates—such as the Tushil and Tamala—joining the fleet, the M-90FR would ensure these platforms remain combat-capable without relying on external sources.
Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sanjay J Singh observed that while India develops its own Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT), the Russian offer provides an immediate and robust bridge.
By insulating the fleet from European geopolitical volatility, the deal could serve as a cornerstone for India’s maritime engine autonomy in the coming decade.
