On track to develop locally-made marine engine for Navy by 2028: Kirloskar co CEO
Times of India
by SURENDRA SINGHFebruary 25, 2026
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Kirloskar Oil Engines, part of India’s prominent Kirloskar group, has announced significant progress toward developing India’s first locally-made marine engine for the Indian Navy. The company is on track to deliver a 6 MW four-stroke V12 engine by April 2028 under a contractually mandated deadline. This marks a major step in India's efforts to achieve self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in marine engine manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers from countries like the US, UK, and Ukraine.
The development of this engine was initiated last April with a sanction order under the Make-I category of India’s procurement policy. The project involves creating a prototype diesel engine with over 50% indigenous content at a cost of Rs 270 crore, with 70% of the funding provided by the government. These engines are designed for main propulsion and power generation on Navy and Coast Guard vessels, aligning with India’s broader goals of fostering domestic defense capabilities.
The initiative underscores India’s commitment to building a robust domestic defense industrial ecosystem under the “Make in India” banner. By developing these engines locally, India aims to reduce its reliance on foreign technology, save foreign exchange, and gain better control over life cycle costs, maintenance, and supply chains. This self-reliance is particularly critical for strategic reasons, as it ensures greater autonomy in defense systems.
The project also supports the modernization of older naval systems, such as the recent upgrade of INS Beas from a steam-based to a diesel-based propulsion system. By replacing outdated technology with indigenous solutions, India is not only enhancing its naval capabilities but also fostering
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026