India and UK Sign Statement of Intent on Electric Propulsion Systems for Indian Navy

Portsmouth: In a significant step towards fostering technological collaboration, India and the United Kingdom signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on the design and development of Electric Propulsion Systems for the Indian Navy. The agreement was formalized during the third Joint Working Group Meeting of the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership in Portsmouth, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to advance indigenous naval technologies.

The SoI provides a framework for collaboration in co-designing, co-creating, and co-producing Electric Propulsion capabilities for future naval vessels. It envisions the integration of Full Electric Propulsion Systems into the Landing Platform Docks, set to be constructed at an Indian shipyard.

The signing ceremony saw the exchange of the SoI between Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) from India’s Ministry of Defence, and Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy, Director of Ships Operations & Capability Integration, UK Ministry of Defence.

This partnership underscores the growing defense and technological ties between India and the UK, with a focus on promoting sustainable and advanced naval systems. Electric Propulsion Systems, known for their operational efficiency and environmental benefits, represent a transformative approach to powering modern naval ships, aligning with global trends in green and smart technologies.

The initiative highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) campaign and reflects the UK’s support in nurturing high-tech capabilities. The collaboration aims to combine the expertise of both nations, fostering innovation and enhancing maritime operational capabilities.