India Join Hands For Indigenous 6MW Marine Diesel Engine Development
On April 2, 2025—In a significant step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy and Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd signed a Project Sanction Order under the Make-I initiative for the design and development of a 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine. The agreement, formalized at the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, marks a milestone in India’s journey to indigenize critical defense technologies and reduce dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
The prototype diesel engine with indigenous content of over 50% will be developed at a cost of Rs 270 crore with 70% funding from the Government of India. The order also includes the development of detailed designs for a 3-10 MW diesel engine. The developed engines will be used for Main Propulsion and Power Generation on ships of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Most of the diesel engines of higher capacity were being imported from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to date. This project will start the process of achieving self-reliance in marine engine development in the country.
It is a significant step in the ongoing efforts of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to indigenize critical technologies and achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence. It will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange, and reduce dependency on foreign OEMs. It will act as a catalyst for the development of defence industrial ecosystem in the country.
