Kirloskar Oil Engines Advances India's First Indigenous Marine Engine Project
Kirloskar Oil Engines, a flagship entity of the renowned Kirloskar group, has confirmed that it is "on track" to deliver India's inaugural domestically manufactured marine engine for the Indian Navy. This milestone is part of a strategic push towards enhancing national self-reliance in defence technology.
Key Details and Timeline
According to CEO Rahul Sahai, the company is committed to meeting the contractually-mandated deadline of April 2028 for delivering a four-stroke, 6 MW V12 engine. The development follows a sanction order signed in April last year under the Make-I category of procurement, formalizing the design and creation of this medium-speed marine diesel engine.
The prototype, which boasts an indigenous content exceeding 50%, is being developed at a cost of Rs 270 crore. The government is funding 70% of this project, underscoring its importance in bolstering domestic capabilities.
Strategic Importance and Benefits
This engine is intended for main propulsion and power generation on vessels operated by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. By developing it locally, the Navy aims to achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in marine engine manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers from countries such as the US, UK, and Ukraine.
The initiative aligns with the broader "Make in India" campaign, fostering a robust domestic defence industrial ecosystem. Key advantages include:
- Significant savings in foreign exchange.
- Enhanced control over life cycle costs, maintenance, and supply chains.
- Support for converting older steam-based systems to modern, efficient diesel-based systems, as demonstrated in upgrades like the INS Beas.
Overall, this project not only strengthens indigenous technological prowess but also contributes to long-term operational efficiency and security for India's maritime forces.
