In a crucial development for India’s defense sector, the Indian Navy has signed a Project Sanction Order (PSO) with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited under the ‘Make-I’ category. This agreement focuses on the design and development of a 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine and was formalized at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of significant officials including Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.
This partnership represents a pivotal move towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, as it aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbharta initiative. The aim is to diminish dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for essential high-capacity marine propulsion systems, bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities.
The initiative entails the creation of a prototype diesel engine with an indigenous content exceeding 50%. The estimated budget for this project is ₹270 crore, with the Government of India covering 70% of the costs. In addition to developing the 6MW engine, the project encompasses the detailed design and development of marine diesel engines ranging from 3MW to 10MW. These indigenous engines will serve dual purposes: main propulsion and power generation for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard vessels, thereby enhancing operational readiness while decreasing reliance on imported technologies.
Historically, India has relied heavily on foreign manufacturers for high-capacity diesel engines, which are critical for the operational capabilities of naval platforms. The signing of this project sanction order heralds a new era in the design and manufacturing of indigenous marine engines, setting the stage for a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
This initiative is part of a broader vision encapsulated in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It aims not only to curtail foreign exchange expenditures but also to accelerate capacity building within the domestic industrial landscape. This project is expected to generate employment opportunities and cultivate a strong industrial base within the marine and defense sectors.
The proactive involvement of the Indian Navy in facilitating such projects underscores its commitment to fostering strategic self-reliance and innovation in the defense realm. This development stands as a significant milestone in India’s quest to establish itself as a global hub for defense manufacturing and technology, paving the way for a future where the country can independently develop and produce critical defense assets.
