Global engineering giant Rolls-Royce has formally expressed its intent to collaborate with the Indian Navy on the ambitious project to design and deploy India’s first electric-powered warship. The announcement, made during the recent port visit of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to Mumbai, underscores a significant potential leap for India’s naval modernization and commitment to future-ready, sustainable defense technology.

Rolls-Royce, a world leader in advanced propulsion systems, highlighted that its extensive experience in delivering integrated hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion systems aligns perfectly with the Indian Navy’s vision for a modern and self-reliant fleet.

The timing of the announcement coincided with the docking of the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, in Mumbai. The carrier is powered by Rolls-Royce’s MT30 marine gas turbine, which is at the core of its Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system. The system on the carrier delivers a combined output of 109 MW, demonstrating the company’s capabilities in providing high-power electrical solutions for major naval platforms.

Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President for Defence Operations in India and Southeast Asia at Rolls-Royce, stated, “Rolls-Royce is well-positioned to support India’s naval modernisation with the right mix of products, expertise and experience.” He emphasized that their solutions would align with India’s goal of building a modern and self-reliant defense force.

The shift to electric propulsion systems, such as the Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) technology, offers multiple advantages for future warships, including:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Better fuel economy and reduced long-term maintenance costs.
• Increased Stealth: Quieter operations compared to traditional mechanical systems.
• Optimal Energy Management: Better power distribution for advanced systems like radars, sensors, and future weapon systems.

The proposed partnership builds on the existing UK-India Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP) framework, which seeks to foster co-design and co-production of niche defense technologies. Rolls-Royce has a 90-year legacy in India, with over 1,400 engines currently powering various Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army platforms.

A formal agreement on the development and deployment of the nation’s first electric warship is anticipated to solidify in the coming months as part of the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two nations.