GE Aerospace to provide LM2500 marine engines for six of the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessels
US-based marine engine manufacturer, GE Aerospace, is set to supply LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits to power six of the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs), which will be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday.
GE Aerospace will deliver these engine kits for assembly and testing, which will be conducted by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division, based in Bangalore, India, according to the ministry. In addition to the engine kits, GE Aerospace is also responsible for providing a full array of gas turbine auxiliary systems, the ministry added.
The LM2500 engines already have a significant presence in powering Indian naval warships. These gas turbines are the driving force behind the navy’s six Shivalik-class frigates and power the INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy's flagship aircraft carrier.
“Globally, over 714 vessels rely on GE Aerospace’s marine gas turbines for their dependability and efficiency,” the company highlighted on Thursday.
In the US Navy, the LM2500 power packs contribute to 95% of the commissioned propulsion gas turbines. “The LM2500 doesn’t only power the Indian Navy; it’s the top choice for navies around the globe seeking optimal performance,” GE Aerospace emphasized.
A crucial test for GE Aerospace will be its ability to deliver these engines on time, as the company has recently come under criticism for delays in providing engines for India's Tejas fighter jets.
Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV): India’s Most Advanced Warships
The Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) is a state-of-the-art warship being designed for the Indian Navy, with the primary purpose of executing BrahMos missile strikes against coastal targets. Capable of reaching a top speed of 35 knots (65 kilometers per hour), the NGMV will be equipped with BrahMos missiles and a wide array of anti-surface weapons.
“The heart of the NGMV propulsion system is the LM2500, a marine gas turbine designed to deliver unmatched power while adhering to stealth requirements,” said GE Aerospace in a statement.
The Indian Navy has a rich history of launching ship-to-shore missile strikes, with a significant event taking place in December 1971 during the war with Pakistan. Soviet-era missile vessels inflicted heavy damage on Karachi harbor, shaping the navy's tactical outlook.
Half a century later, the Indian Navy remains aware that, despite its deep-water capabilities and its role in expeditionary missions throughout the Indian Ocean, the nation's defense planners expect the navy to contribute to land warfare operations as well.
Advanced Engine Monitoring System
The LM2500 gas turbine engines will also feature GE’s SmartSignal digital solution, which is designed to monitor conditions that could potentially damage the engine and lead to unexpected outages. GE's split casing compressor and power turbine design allows for in-situ maintenance, often eliminating the need to remove the gas turbine, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced ship downtime.
This innovation will enable the Indian Navy to shift towards a predictive approach to gas turbine propulsion operations, enhancing efficiency and operational readiness.
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