DRDO Seeks Collaboration for Indigenous Marine Diesel Engine Development for Project-76 Submarines

Описание: The Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up for a
pivotal phase in India's naval modernization
with its ambitious Project-76, aimed at
designing and developing a new class of
indigenous conventional diesel-electric
submarines for the Indian Navy. As the
program inches closer to Cabinet Committee
on Security (CCS) approval--expected within
the next few months--DRDO is actively
planning to collaborate on developing a
marine diesel engine, a critical component for
the submarines


DRDO's mandate to maximize indigenous
content-targeting 90-95%-means that
relying on imported engines beyond the initial
batch is untenable. The organization is thus
exploring partnerships to develop a local
marine diesel engine, potentially


manufactured in India under a Transfer of
Technology (ToT) agreement. The engine
must not only meet the 3,000+ hp requirement
but also integrate seamlessly with the
submarine's AIP and lithium-ion battery
systems, a complex engineering feat,.


DRDO is in the early stages of identifyingsuitable partners, both domestic and
international. Locally, firms like Kirloskar 0il
Engines, Cummins India, and Ashok Leyland
have experience with industrial diesel engines,
but none have ventured into marine propulsion
at this scale. Establishing a new supply chain
and workforce skilled in marine engineering
will require significant investment and time-
factors DRDO must balance against Project-
76's deadlines.


Project-76, a continuation of the Advanced
Technology Vessel (ATV) program that birthed
the Arihant-class nuclear submarines, is set to
produce six next-generation submarines with
an unprecedented 90-95% indigenous content.
With the design phase slated to begin post-
CCS approval--projected for mid-2025-and
the first submarine expected to join the fleet
by 2033, weighing 3,000-4,000 tons
submerged, will feature advanced


technologies like Air-Independent Propulsion
(AIP), lithium-ion batteries, and possibly
vertical launch systems (VLS) for cruise
missiles.


According to insights shared with idrw.org, the
marine diesel engine for Project-76 will needto generate over 3,000 horsepower (hp), with
each submarine equipped with two such
engines. This power output is essential to
drive the submarine's electric propulsion
motor via generators when operating at
snorkelling depth, complementing the AlP
system for extended underwater endurance
While technical details are still under
development, the engine must be compact,
reliable, and quiet--crucial attributes for
stealth operations.


India's lack of prior expertise in designing
high-performance marine diesel engines
poses a significant hurdle. Unlike aero-engines
or land-based systems, marine diesel engines
require specialized engineering to withstand
harsh underwater conditions, deliver
consistent power, and minimize acoustic
signatures. DRDO's experience with the
Arihant-class submarines relied heavily on
nuclear propulsion, leaving a gap in
conventional diesel engine technology that
Project-76 must now bridge.


Given the tight timelines-the design phase
spanning three years and construction taking
five-the first two Project-76 submarines are
likely to be fitted with imported marine dieselengines. Sources indicate that MTU, a German
firm renowned for its MTU 4000 series
engines used in submarines worldwide, is a
frontrunner. MTU's engines, delivering 3,000-
4,000 hp, are proven in platforms like
Germany's Type 212A submarines and offer
the reliability needed for early operational
deployment. This interim measure allows the
Navy to induct the submarines by the early
2030s while DRDO ramps up its indigenous
solution. #iaf #astramissile #military #navy #airforce #defense #elonmusk #militry #mrfacts