In News:

GE’s LM2500 Marine Engines to Power Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV)

Key Highlights:

• Engine Selection:
  • General Electric’s LM2500 marine gas turbines have been chosen to power the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), currently being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
• Project Details:
  • Number of Vessels: Six NGMVs are under construction.
  • Contract Value: ?9,805 crore, awarded by the Defence Ministry.
  • Delivery Schedule: The first deliveries are expected to commence in March 2027.
• Key Components and Suppliers:
  • GE Aerospace will deliver six LM2500 engine kits to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for assembly and testing at their Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bengaluru.
  • GE will also supply the composite base, enclosure, and a full set of auxiliary systems for the gas turbines.
• LM2500 Marine Gas Turbine:
  • The LM2500 turbine is known for its reliability and high power output, making it ideal for the NGMV mission.
  • Top Speed: 35 knots (64 km/h).
  • It is central to the propulsion system, meeting the stealth and power demands of the new missile vessels.
• Capabilities of NGMVs:
  • Role: Designed for offensive missions, the NGMVs will be equipped for anti-surface warfare, maritime strike operations, and sea denial.
  • Speed & Stealth: Capable of speeds up to 35 knots while maintaining stealth, these vessels will be difficult for enemy ships to detect.
  • Weapons: They will carry a variety of anti-surface weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, loitering munitions, unmanned vehicles, and other guided weapons.
• Operational Roles:
  • Offensive: The NGMVs will engage in attacking enemy warships, merchant ships, and land-based targets.
  • Defensive: They will also be used for local naval defense operations, including the seaward defense of offshore development areas and defending choke points.
• Strategic Importance:
  • The NGMVs will significantly enhance India’s maritime strike capability and provide a formidable presence in strategic sea routes, especially in regions like choke points and offshore development areas.
• Cochin Shipyard’s Role:
  • After successfully constructing INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, CSL is now focusing on the NGMV project, along with building anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts for the Indian Navy, currently in various stages of construction.
• Partnerships:
  • In 2023, GE Aerospace and HAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their collaboration on marine gas turbines, including assembly, inspection, and testing (AIT) of the LM500 turbines.
  • To date, GE Aerospace has delivered 24 marine gas turbine kits to HAL, supporting India’s Make-In-India initiative.
• Global Impact:
  • The LM2500 gas turbine is used by 714 vessels globally, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and availability in critical maritime defense systems.