New Delhi: In a major push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy has signed a Project Sanction Order with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited for the design and development of a 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine under the Make-I category. The agreement, aimed at strengthening indigenous capabilities in marine propulsion systems, was formalized in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan at South Block, New Delhi.
The prototype engine, boasting an indigenous content of over 50%, will be developed at a cost of ₹270 crore, with 70% funding from the Government of India. The agreement also covers the development of detailed designs for a range of marine diesel engines between 3MW and 10MW. These engines will be deployed for main propulsion and power generation on ships of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, reducing reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Until now, most high-capacity marine diesel engines were imported, making this project a landmark initiative in achieving self-reliance in marine engine development. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to indigenize critical technologies and strengthen the country’s defence industrial ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.
The indigenous development of marine engines will not only save valuable foreign exchange but also boost India’s defence manufacturing sector, providing a crucial impetus to the growth of domestic defence industries. By reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, this initiative is set to pave the way for a more self-sufficient and technologically advanced naval fleet.