India and UK Sign Statement of Intent
- 02 Dec 2024
On 28th November, 2024, India and the UK agreed to jointly design and develop electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy, marking a step towards indigenous technological advancements.
Key Points
- Signing of Statement of Intent: The agreement was signed in Portsmouth, UK, during the 3rd Joint Working Group on Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (JWG EPCP) meeting, symbolizing the nations' shared commitment to advancing electric propulsion technologies.
- Implications for Indian Navy’s Future Fleet: This collaboration increases the likelihood that India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) will feature an integrated electric propulsion system powered by Rolls-Royce MT-30 gas turbines, mirroring the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers.
- Potential Impact on Warship Propulsion Systems: Rolls-Royce marine gas turbines may replace engines from American, Russian, and Ukrainian manufacturers, powering next-generation Indian Navy destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and landing platform docks (LPDs).
- Focus on Co-Development: The SoI outlines cooperation in co-design, co-creation, and co-production of electric propulsion systems for future naval ships. Indian-built LPDs are expected to adopt full electric propulsion systems.
- Rolls-Royce MT-30: A Proven System: The MT-30, renowned for its power density, currently powers several high-tech warships globally, including the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates, US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyers, and Japan’s new FFM frigates.
- Impact on Aircraft Carrier Fighter Acquisitions: The shift toward British hybrid-electric propulsion may influence India's choice of fighter jet for its aircraft carriers, with Dassault’s Rafale Marine in the lead over Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for the multi-role carrier-borne fighter (MRCBF) contract.
