India-UK marine engine collaboration sets tone for Navy’s next-generation warships

The India-UK collaboration to develop electric-powered marine engines for naval ships, announced last week, will not only shape the propulsion systems of the Navy’s next-generation warships but also bring latest technology on marine-engines to the country.

The partnership will help New Delhi diversify its options for engines needed to power its expanding naval fleet. At present, Indian warships use LM2500 gas turbines supplied by US company General Electric and M7N gas turbines manufactured by Ukraine’s Zorya-Mashproekt, a Soviet-era enterprise.

The landmark initiative was unveiled on October 9 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai. During the meeting, the two leaders finalised an “Implementing Arrangement” to advance the collaboration to the next phase. The arrangement carries an initial funding of £250 million (₹2,900 crore) and builds upon the Statement of Intent signed in November 2024 between India and the UK for cooperation in co-designing, co-creating, and co-producing electric propulsion systems for the Navy.

 What is the engine for?

Electric propulsion engines are expected to power the Indian Navy’s future Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) — large 35,000-tonne amphibious assault ships capable of landing troops and tanks directly onshore without docking at a jetty. Indian naval shipyards are preparing to commence construction on these vessels.

Choosing electric propulsion will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the fleet by offering stealthier, more efficient and cost-effective propulsion. Unlike conventional gas turbines that burn fuel internally, electric propulsion systems use onboard-generated electrical energy to power the vessel.

Strategic gains for both nations

The deepening collaboration in electric propulsion is driven by shared strategic interests. For India, it aligns with the "Make in India" initiative and the quest for technological self-reliance ("Atmanirbhar Bharat") in critical defence and automotive technologies. It provides access to the UK's advanced electric propulsion technology will accelerate India's transition to modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly systems.

For the UK, the partnership reinforces its “Indo-Pacific tilt” strategy. By collaborating on high-end defence technologies, The UK aims to strengthen long-term industrial ties with India while opening new avenues for trade and investment.

Expanding defence collaboration

The electric propulsion venture forms part of broader efforts under the “India-UK 2030 Roadmap” and the “India-UK Vision 2035,” both designed to deepen bilateral ties through strategic and technological cooperation.

In addition, the two sides recently finalised a £350 million contract for the supply of UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to the Indian Army, paving the way for a comprehensive bilateral weapons partnership currently under discussion.

They also agreed to expand military training exchanges, with Indian Air Force flying instructors set to serve as trainers with the UK’s Royal Air Force.

Rolls-Royce, a key player in this field, is actively engaged in discussions to integrate its advanced technologies, including the MT30 marine gas turbines, into future Indian naval platforms.

Also last week the Indian Navy and UK’s Royal Navy concluded maritime exercise ‘Konkan-2025’ with ‘carrier strike groups’ led by the INS Vikrant and HMS Prince of Wales, respectively. It included fighter jets and copters on deck of the aircraft carrier which is accompanied by other warships and submarines getting live situational feed from surveillance planes and satellites.

The exercise involved maritime operational drills focusing on anti-aircraft, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, flying operations and other seamanship evolutions.

Earlier in June, HMS Prince of Wales and conducted a passage exercise with INS Tabar, a submarine and a P-8I maritime surveillance.