In a significant development for defense collaboration, the Indian and UK Defense Ministries signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) in Portsmouth on November 28, aimed at fostering cooperation in the design and development of Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) systems for naval ships. This agreement outlines a strategic framework for co-design, co-creation, and co-production of electric propulsion capabilities, especially for future naval vessels being constructed in India.
According to a press release from the Indian Ministry of Defense, the IEP systems are set to feature prominently in the Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) that are planned to be built at Indian shipyards. The use of a Full Electric Propulsion System is seen as a crucial advancement, as IEP has been positioned as the “direction of future naval propulsion” for surface ships.
Numerous navies around the globe have adopted IEP technology, with notable deployments including the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers and Queen Elizabeth-class Aircraft Carriers, the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class Destroyers, and the French Navy’s Horizon-class Frigates, among others. Currently, Indian naval vessels predominantly utilize traditional propulsion systems, which encompass gas turbines, diesel engines, and hybrid systems. However, advancements like the diesel-electric IEP system seen in the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, signal a shift towards modern propulsion technologies.
The Indian Navy has expressed a strong interest in leveraging indigenous IEP systems for its upcoming warships due to the numerous benefits they offer. These advantages include enhanced stealth capabilities through noise reduction, increased maneuverability, lower fuel consumption, superior speeds, and diminished environmental impact, all of which align with the contemporary maritime security requirements.
In a previous initiative in 2019, the Indian Navy set up a 5 MW electric propulsion system in collaboration with Siemens at INS Valsura in Jamnagar, Gujarat, aimed at training naval engineers for operating electric-drive ships. The groundwork laid during this period has paved the way for more extensive collaborations, such as the one signed with the UK.
Further negotiations between India and the UK regarding IEP systems were visible as early as October 2019 when the UK extended an offer under the Make-in-India program. A notable event occurred in November of that year when the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender made a port call in Goa, prompting interactions between Indian naval officers and international defense manufacturers.
In April 2022, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and GE Power Conversion to develop an IEP system tailored for Indian naval ships. GE Power Conversion, a leader in electric propulsion systems, has equipped several cutting-edge vessels for both the US and UK navies, positioning it as a valuable partner in India’s defense manufacturing goals.
The advantages of IEP systems are manifold. They incorporate optimal operational flexibility, enhance reliability and maintenance through fewer mechanical components, and allow for innovative ship designs unhindered by traditional propulsion alignment constraints. As such, IEP systems enable ships to maintain efficiency and performance across varying speeds, which is especially crucial in modern naval warfare contexts.
Plans for the Indian Navy emphasize the integration of IEP systems in future vessels, starting with the procurement of LPDs, which are critical for amphibious operations. The Indian Navy issued a Request for Information (RFI) in August 2021 seeking to acquire four LPDs engineered to support various operational needs, including carrying military equipment and providing logistical support for extended missions.
These developments mark a crucial step in India’s naval modernization efforts, reflecting a broader trend toward autonomous, sustainable naval capabilities that align with global technological standards. As India continues to strengthen its defense ties with the UK and other nations, the strategic implications of this partnership are likely to resonate in the realm of maritime security moving forward.
