Aatmanirbharta in Defence: Project Sanction Order signed for Design & Development of six megawatt (MW) Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine worth Rs. 270 crore (US$ 31.61 million

The Indian Navy has signed a Project Sanction Order under the Make-I category with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited to design and develop a six-megawatt (MW) Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine. The agreement was formalized by Secretary (Defence Production) Mr. Sanjeev Kumar and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Mr. Krishna Swaminathan, at South Block, New Delhi, on April 02, 2025. The prototype engine, featuring over 50% indigenous content, will be developed for Rs. 270 crore (US$ 31.61 million), with 70% of the funding provided by the Government of India. Additionally, the project includes developing a detailed design for diesel engines in the three to 10 MW range, which will be utilised for Main Propulsion and Power Generation on Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard ships. 

Historically, India has relied on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for high-capacity diesel engines, making this initiative a crucial step toward self-reliance in marine engine development. This project aligns with the Government of India's vision, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, to indigenize critical defence technologies and achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). By reducing dependence on foreign OEMs, the initiative will enhance Indigenous capabilities, conserve foreign exchange, and contribute to the growth of India's defence industrial ecosystem. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.