The Indian and UK Defense Ministries signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on November 28, 2024, in Portsmouth, focusing on the design and development of Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) systems for future naval vessels. The agreement aims to foster co-design, co-creation, and co-production of IEP technology for India’s next-generation warships, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The Statement of Intent serves as a broad framework for bilateral cooperation. According to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), the initiative will center on equipping India’s future Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), planned to be constructed at Indian shipyards, with full-electric propulsion systems.
This partnership not only underscores the deepening defense ties between India and the UK but also represents a milestone in India’s “Make in India” initiative. The program is geared toward fostering domestic defense production capabilities and reducing dependency on imported military equipment.
IEP technology represents the cutting edge of naval propulsion, emphasizing efficiency, stealth, and adaptability. Unlike traditional systems reliant on direct mechanical energy to drive propellers, IEP systems use generators powered by diesel engines, gas turbines, or nuclear reactors to produce electricity. This electricity then powers ship systems and drives electric motors to move the ship.
Several advantages position IEP as the future standard for naval propulsion:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Engines operate at optimal conditions regardless of ship speed, enhancing fuel economy, especially during low-speed operations.
- Reduced Acoustic Signature: Fewer mechanical components result in quieter operations, a critical feature for stealth missions.
- Flexibility in Power Distribution: IEP ensures seamless allocation of power between propulsion and energy-intensive onboard systems, such as advanced radars and laser weapons.
- Enhanced Reliability and Maintenance: The reduced number of mechanical parts lowers wear and maintenance costs.
- Design Freedom: Decoupling engines from propellers enables innovative ship designs and better internal space utilization.
IEP is already in use in several advanced naval platforms, including the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyers, and China’s Type 055 destroyers.
India has long recognized the strategic and operational advantages of IEP systems. Most current Indian naval vessels rely on traditional propulsion systems, such as gas turbines or diesel engines. However, India has taken steps toward adopting electric propulsion:
- INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, utilizes a diesel-electric IEP system.
- The Visakhapatnam-class (P-15B) destroyers feature hybrid propulsion systems.
Both these systems, however, involve significant import components. The Indian Navy’s collaboration with the UK and other international partners aims to indigenize these technologies, empowering India to produce state-of-the-art IEP systems domestically.
In 2019, the Indian Navy installed a 5 MW electric propulsion system, sourced from Siemens, at its INS Valsura facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This training setup has prepared naval engineers to operate electric-drive systems effectively, laying the groundwork for the introduction of IEP in future fleets.
Additionally, collaboration between Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and France-based GE Power Conversion has been pivotal. Their 2022 memorandum of understanding (MoU) focuses on building IEP systems locally, furthering the Make in India agenda.
The UK’s involvement in supporting India’s electric propulsion initiatives is not new:
In October 2019, the UK offered IEP systems to India under the Make in India program.
The same year, Indian Navy officers toured the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender during its visit to Goa. The visit highlighted the Royal Navy’s cutting-edge IEP technology, fostering interest in adopting similar systems.
A British-French consortium, including Rolls-Royce and GE Power Conversion, has also proposed IEP solutions tailored to Indian requirements. This partnership could bring expertise in gas turbines, alternators, and propellers while ensuring critical components are manufactured in India.
The immediate application of IEP systems will be in the Indian Navy’s planned Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). These versatile amphibious warships are designed to carry troops, land vehicles, and helicopters and serve as launch platforms for amphibious operations.
- Length and Draught: Up to 200 meters long with a maximum draught of 8 meters.
- Speed and Endurance: Capable of sustained speeds above 20 knots and supporting logistical operations for up to 60 days.
- Dock Well: A submerged dock area to facilitate amphibious vessel operations.
- IEP Requirement: The RFI issued in August 2021 mandates the inclusion of IEP systems.
India currently operates one LPD, the INS Jalashwa, an Austin-class ship acquired from the United States. The proposed four new LPDs will feature advanced electric propulsion, making them a significant upgrade over existing capabilities.
The integration of IEP into India’s naval forces aligns with its broader maritime strategy:
- Stealth and Operational Superiority: Reduced noise profiles enhance the stealth of future vessels, vital for operations in contested environments.
- Energy Management for Modern Weaponry: IEP’s robust power distribution is well-suited to advanced weapon systems, including electromagnetic railguns and directed energy weapons.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The reduced operational costs of IEP systems will benefit India’s long-term naval budget.
- Support for Indigenous Industry: By co-developing these systems with global partners, India ensures technology transfer, building a sustainable domestic defense ecosystem.
- Technological Complexity: Designing and integrating advanced electric propulsion requires significant expertise.
- High Initial Costs: The infrastructure and development expenses for IEP are substantial.
- Dependence on Foreign Partners: While the Make in India initiative aims to localize production, collaboration with foreign firms remains essential in the short term.
The Indian Navy is determined to move forward. Beyond LPDs, the next-generation P-18 destroyers and future aircraft carriers are expected to feature IEP systems.
The adoption of IEP systems is part of a global trend in naval modernization. Countries like the US, UK, and China are investing heavily in this technology to enhance the capabilities of their fleets. For India, keeping pace with these advancements is critical to maintaining strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
The UK’s role as a partner highlights shared strategic interests, particularly in countering challenges posed by assertive naval activities in the region. The SoI serves as a testament to the growing UK-India defense partnership, combining technological innovation with geopolitical alignment.
