A subordinate working group between India and the United Kingdom is set to be established to develop an ‘implementing agreement’ focused on electric propulsion capabilities for the Indian Navy’s new Landing Dock Platforms. This initiative aims to enhance the stealth characteristics of amphibious assault ships by reducing their acoustic signatures. The decision to create this working group was made during the third meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG), which recently took place at the Portsmouth Naval Base in the UK. A Statement of Intent (SoI) for the electric propulsion system was subsequently signed by the defense ministries of both nations.
The JWG confirmed that the establishment of this subordinate working group is a step toward drafting and finalizing the Implementing Arrangement (IA). Upon review and signing, the program is expected to accelerate towards a launch phase. The initiative will focus on developing electric propulsion technologies specifically for the new Landing Dock Platforms, which are scheduled for launch in 2030. Additionally, the technology is anticipated to be incorporated into future vessels of the Indian Navy.
The implementation of electric propulsion technology carries significant advantages, including reduced emissions for naval platforms. The UK Defence in India highlighted the environmental benefits of adopting electric propulsion systems compared to traditional diesel generators. The design process will draw from the UK’s advancements in naval technology, particularly the evolution of the Type 23 frigates and various other classes, including the Type-45 destroyers, Landing Ship Docks, and the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. Notably, the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers are the first in the Royal Navy to feature an integrated electric propulsion (IFEP) system, which utilizes both gas turbine and diesel generators to power the vessels.
Following the signing of the Statement of Intent, the Indian Ministry of Defence announced that these landing platform docks will be constructed in India, underscoring the commitment to fostering indigenous development of specialized technologies. This recent cooperation agreement marks a renewed vigor in the bilateral defense industry relationship, which has faced challenges in the past. While France has stepped up its defense partnership with India, the UK has historically viewed the Indian market with skepticism, resulting in only 3% of India’s defense acquisitions in the past decade being sourced from the UK, according to the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
