Synopsis
On April 2, the Indian Navy awarded a Rs 270 crore contract to Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited for the development of 6MW marine diesel engines, advancing self-reliance in defense production. This project marks a significant step in indigenizing critical technologies in India.Key Takeaways
- The Indian Navy has signed a Rs 270 crore contract with Kirloskar.
- This contract focuses on 6MW medium speed marine diesel engines.
- It aims to reduce dependency on foreign OEMs.
- The project will enhance indigenous defense production capabilities.
- India targets Rs 3 lakh crore in military hardware by 2029.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The Indian Navy has finalized a contract worth Rs 270 crore with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited on Wednesday for the design and development of 6MW medium speed marine diesel engines, marking a pivotal move towards bolstering the nation’s self-reliance in defence production.
Previously, most high-capacity diesel engines were imported from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This initiative will initiate the journey towards achieving self-sufficiency in marine engine technology within the country, as stated by the Defence Ministry.
The contract was signed in the presence of Secretary for Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, at South Block in the capital.
The prototype diesel engine, featuring over 50 per cent indigenous content, will be developed at a total cost of Rs 270 crore, with 70 per cent funding provided by the government. Included in this order is the detailed design development for 3-10 MW diesel engines. These engines will serve as the main propulsion and power generation systems on vessels of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
This project sanction under the Make-I category for the 6MW medium speed marine diesel engine design and development is a crucial advancement in the government's ongoing efforts, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to indigenize essential technologies and attain Aatmanirbharta in defence, according to an official announcement.
"This initiative will further enhance indigenous capabilities, conserve foreign exchange, and diminish reliance on foreign OEMs. It is expected to catalyze the establishment of a robust defence industrial ecosystem in the nation," the statement further noted.
India has also achieved its highest growth in defence hardware production, valued at Rs 1,27,434 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting an extraordinary 174 per cent increase from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15. The Defence Ministry has set an ambitious target of reaching the Rs 3 lakh crore milestone in military hardware by 2029 as part of the self-reliance initiative.
