To end import reliance on propulsion system for Indian Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday cleared a project for the indigenous design and development of 6MW medium speed marine diesel engine.
The Indian Navy signed a deal with Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd for development of a prototype diesel engine with indigenous content of over 50 per cent at a cost of ₹270 crore. The MoD, which announced the project sanction order under Make-I category on Wednesday, said 70 per cent the funding for the project will be done by the government.
The order also includes the development of a detailed design for 3-10MW diesel engine. The developed engines will be used for main propulsion and power generation on ships of the Navy and the Coast Guard.
The signing took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production), Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral, Krishna Swaminathan at South Block.
Most of the diesel engines of higher capacity were being imported from foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM) till date, including from Ukraine, U S and United Kingdom.
This project will start the process of achieving self-reliance in marine engine development in the country, said the Ministry.
It is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to indigenise critical technologies and achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence.
The Ministry also stated that the move will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependency on foreign OEMs. It will act as a catalyst for the development of defence industrial ecosystem in the country.
The initiative comes at a time when the Navy is in the process of converting the steam propulsion system to diesel of its vessels, ensuring mid-life upgrade for enhancing capabilities.
The Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has already started the upgrade of Brahmaputra Class frigate INS Beas from early last year by installing an imported 6MW Caterpillar diesel engine.
As of March 24, 2025, 145 projects have been undertaken under the ‘Make in India initiative,’ with the participation of 171 industries, driving indigenous defence production.
This included 40 Make-I projects, which means they are government funded, 101 Make-II projects, which are industry funded, and 4 Make-III projects, which means manufacturing would be done through transfer of technology, strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
