Kirloskar gets Rs 270 crore order to develop engines for Indian Navy ships

IANS April 2, 2025 140 views

The Indian Navy has awarded Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited a landmark Rs 270 crore contract to develop indigenous marine diesel engines. This strategic project aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign equipment manufacturers and strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The contract involves creating high-capacity diesel engines with over 50% indigenous content for naval ships and coast guard vessels. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

"It will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange" - Defence Ministry Official
New Delhi, April 2: The Indian Navy signed a Rs 270 crore contract with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited on Wednesday for the design and development of 6MW medium speed marine diesel engines in a significant step to enhance the country’s self-reliance in defence production.

Key Points

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Kirloskar to develop 6MW marine diesel engines with over 50% local content

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Project supports Modi's Aatmanirbharta defence vision

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Navy seeks reduced dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers

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Contract represents significant step in defence indigenization

Most of the diesel engines of higher capacity were being imported from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) till date. This project will start the process in achieving self-reliance in marine engine development in the country, the Defence Ministry said.

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 in the national capital.

The prototype diesel engine with indigenous content of over 50 per cent will be developed at a cost of Rs 270 crore, with 70 per cent funding from the government. The order also includes the development of the detailed design for 3-10 MW diesel engines. The engines will be used for main propulsion and power generation on ships of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

The project sanction order under Make-I category for the design and development of the 6MW medium speed marine diesel engine 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, according to an official statement.

"It will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependence on foreign OEMs. It will act as a catalyst for the development of a defence industrial ecosystem in the country," the statement added.

Meanwhile, India has recorded its highest-ever growth in the production of defence hardware valued at Rs 1,27,434 crore in FY 2023-24. This represents a staggering 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 mark in military hardware by 2029 as part of the goal towards self-reliance.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
This is fantastic news! 🇮🇳 Finally we're moving towards self-reliance in defence tech. The 174% growth since 2014 is impressive, but we need to keep this momentum going.
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Priya M.
My uncle works at Kirloskar! So proud to see an Indian company getting such important contracts. Hope they deliver quality products that match global standards.
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Amit S.
While this is a positive step, I hope there's proper oversight. 50% indigenous content is good but we should aim higher. Also, who will verify the engine reliability before naval deployment?
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Sunita R.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in action! 👏 The Rs 3 lakh crore target seems ambitious but achievable if we keep getting such projects. Navy deserves the best equipment.
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Vikram J.
Interesting that 70% funding is from government. I wonder if private sector will eventually take over more of these projects as capabilities develop.
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Neha P.
Great to see women in leadership positions at the signing ceremony! Representation matters in defence sector too 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Kirloskar Indian Navy Defence Production Narendra Modi Aatmanirbhar Bharat Marine Diesel Engines Indigenous Technology
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