GE Aerospace’s LM2500 marine gas turbine engines will power the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
The contract includes six LM2500 engine kits for assembly and testing at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore.
The NGMV’s propulsion system, powered by LM2500 engines, is expected to reach speeds of 35 knots and carry advanced anti-surface weapons. GE Aerospace and HAL have a partnership dating back to 1986, with HAL assembling and testing all LM2500 gas turbines currently used in the Indian Navy’s P17 and P17A frigates, and the IAC-1 Vikrant aircraft carrier. In 2023, they signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration.
The contract for the NGMV acquisition, signed in March 2023 for INR 9,805 crore ($1 billion), is expected to generate 45 lakh man-days of employment over nine years. Delivery of the vessels is scheduled to begin in March 2027. The NGMVs will conduct maritime strike operations and anti-surface warfare while providing sea denial at strategic chokepoints.