India, UK ink key deal to boost electric propulsion technology for warships

In a significant step towards advancing naval technology, India and the United Kingdom on Thursday signed an agreement to collaborate on the design and development of electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy.
The agreement, signed during the third joint working group meeting of the electric propulsion capability partnership in Portsmouth, UK, marks a milestone in fostering indigenous development of cutting-edge maritime technologies, an official statement said.
The deal laid the groundwork for cooperation for making joint efforts in designing, creating, and producing electric propulsion systems tailored to the needs of future Indian naval ships.
A key focus of this collaboration is the integration of full electric propulsion systems into the Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), which are planned to be constructed at an Indian shipyard. This move not only enhances India’s self-reliance in naval technology but also aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the statement added.
The agreement documents between the two countries were exchanged by Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), representing the Ministry of Defence, and Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy, Director of Ships Operations & Capability Integration, of UK Defence Ministry. The agreement reflects the deepening defence partnership between India and the UK, particularly in the realm of advanced maritime capabilities.
The India-UK collaboration highlights the strategic importance of electric propulsion technology in modern naval operations. By focusing on cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems, the initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint of naval operations while enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
This agreement underlines a shared vision for innovation and a commitment to co-develop technologies that benefit both India and the UK. It is expected to not only boost India’s naval capabilities but also position the country as a leader in advanced shipbuilding technologies in the Indian Ocean Region.
As the Indian Navy gears up for its next generation of ships, the partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving technological sovereignty and securing maritime interests.