In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL) has been awarded a prestigious order by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, represented by the Indian Navy. The contract entails the design and development of a 6-megawatt (MW) medium-speed marine diesel engine under the Make-I scheme, emphasizing indigenous production and self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
Project Details:
-
Scope of Work: KOEL will undertake the design of a medium-speed marine diesel engine scalable from 3MW to 10MW capacity. The project includes the development and supply of a prototype 6MW engine.
-
Contract Value: The project is valued at ₹270 crore, with 70% funding provided by the Government of India under the Make-I scheme.
-
Execution Timeline: The project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months.
The Make-I scheme is part of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to promote indigenous design and development of defense equipment, reducing dependency on imports and fostering self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This project aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and is expected to significantly contribute to the indigenization of marine propulsion systems.
The signing ceremony took place on April 2, 2025, in the presence of key defense officials, including Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. This collaboration between the Indian Navy and KOEL marks a pivotal step towards enhancing India’s maritime defense capabilities through indigenous technological advancements.
