In a significant move towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the design and development of a 6-megawatt (MW) medium-speed marine diesel engine under the Make-I category, with a project value of ₹270 crore. This initiative marks India’s first venture into indigenous development of such engines, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and bolster the domestic defense industry.
The Make-I category emphasizes projects funded by the government for design and development of equipment, systems, and platforms by Indian industry. The approval for this marine diesel engine project is a testament to India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively seeking collaborations for the indigenous development of marine diesel engines, particularly for upcoming naval projects like Project-76, which involves designing a new class of conventional diesel-electric submarines. This aligns with the broader goal of enhancing India’s naval capabilities through domestic innovation and manufacturing.
The development of the 6MW marine diesel engine is expected to be completed within four years, reflecting a concerted effort to expedite indigenous defense production and strengthen national security.