American engines to propel Indian Navy’s Next-gen missile vessels

The six Next-Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) that are being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy will be propelled by US-origin General Electric LM2500 marine engines.

The six NGMVs capable of maritime strike operations, anti-surface warfare operations, and sea denial for enemy ships at choke points are being built by the government-run Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a cost of USD 1.16 billion (Rs 9,805 crore).

The facility in Kochi, Kerala, is to hand over the first of the six warships to the Indian Navy in early 2027. CSL had also built India’s first and only indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. 

The NGMVs are a new class of heavily armed warships incorporating stealth, high-speed, and offensive capability. The primary role of the ships would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warships, merchantmen, and land targets. 

With a top speed of 35 knots (64 kmph), these vessels carry an array of anti-surface weapons. 

For integration in the NGMVs, six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits will be delivered by GE Aerospace for assembly and testing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bengaluru, India.

Additionally, GE Aerospace will be supplying its composite base and enclosure, and full complement of gas turbine auxiliary systems. The LM2500 also propels the INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy’s latest frigates, and over 700 vessels globally.

GE Aerospace and HAL, India’s premier public-sector aerospace company, have ties in both marine and aerospace defense dating back to 1986. HAL has assembled and tested all LM2500 gas turbines that are used on Indian warships.

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In 2023, GE Aerospace and HAL signed an MOU to explore expanding their capabilities to include assembly, inspection, and testing (AIT) of the LM500 marine gas turbine To date, GE Aerospace has delivered 24 marine gas turbine kits to HAL for the Indian Navy.

“GE Aerospace has been our valued partner for several decades in marine applications and aerospace. For various Programs of the Indian Navy, HAL has partnered with GE Aerospace on the LM2500 Gas Turbine Engine. With the addition of the NGMV program, our partnership will further strengthen to greater heights,” said Dr D Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL.

Firms from the US, UK, Ukraine are among the engine suppliers for Indian Naval and Coast Guard ships. GE and Caterpillar are of US origin, Ukrainian engines are supplied by Zorya-Mashproekt, while Rolls Royce is the supplier from the UK.