India and UK to ink pact, develop propulsion systems for Navy
2-minute summary
India and the United Kingdom are finalizing two landmark Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) to boost bilateral defence cooperation. The first agreement focuses on co-developing maritime Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) systems for the Indian Navy's future Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). To support this, GE Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) will establish India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility. This marks a shift from conventional diesel, gas, or steam turbines to electric propulsion for warships displacing over 6,000 tonnes. The second agreement involves the procurement of hundreds of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the Indian Army. Manufactured by Thales UK, these highly versatile 13kg missiles feature a range of over 6 km and a speed of Mach 1.5, providing robust surface-to-air and anti-armour capabilities. This transition from a buyer-seller relationship to joint technology co-development aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
Why it's in the news
India and the UK are set to sign two major defence agreements: one to co-develop advanced maritime electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy's Landing Platform Docks, and another to procure Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the Indian Army.
Background and context
Traditionally, Indian warships have relied on conventional propulsion systems such as diesel engines, gas turbines, or steam turbines. However, modern naval warfare demands high power generation to support advanced sensors, radars, and future directed-energy weapons, alongside superior acoustic stealth to counter submarine threats. Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) addresses these needs by using prime movers to generate electricity, which then powers electric propulsion motors. The UK Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are prime examples of this technology. Bilateral cooperation on this front began with a Statement of Intent (SoI) signed in November 2024. Simultaneously, India is modernizing its air defence capabilities through the acquisition of versatile precision-guided munitions like the British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs).
Government schemes
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Defence Sector) — Promotes self-reliance and indigenisation by transitioning from direct imports to co-design, co-development, and co-production partnerships with foreign OEMs.
Previous UPSC questions on this theme
- Mains GS-3 2021 — How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
Mains practice: Explain the concept of Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) in maritime technology and discuss how the India-UK collaboration on this front aligns with India's strategic and defence indigenisation goals.
Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) is an advanced maritime propulsion system where prime movers (such as gas turbines or diesel generators) generate electricity, which is then distributed to power both the ship's services and electric propulsion motors driving the propellers. Unlike conventional mechanical propulsion, IFEP decouples the engines from the propeller shafts.
**Strategic and Operational Advantages of IFEP:**
• **Acoustic Stealth:** By eliminating direct mechanical linkages and long shafts, IFEP significantly reduces acoustic signatures, which is vital for anti-submarine warfare.
• **Power Flexibility:** It generates massive electrical power, essential for operating modern high-energy combat systems, advanced radars, and future directed-energy weapons.
• **Fuel Efficiency and Design Freedom:** It optimizes engine load management, reducing fuel consumption and allowing flexible placement of machinery within the vessel.
**Alignment with India's Strategic and Indigenisation Goals:**
• **Technology Transfer and Co-development:** The establishment of India's first Land-Based Testing Facility by GE Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) ensures the transfer of critical, niche technology to Indian public sector undertakings.
• **Atmanirbhar Bharat:** The initiative moves India away from importing complete propulsion packages toward domestic co-design, co-creation, and co-production of complex naval systems.
• **Blue-Water Navy Ambitions:** Equipping warships displacing over 6,000 tonnes (such as Landing Platform Docks) with IFEP ensures that the Indian Navy maintains a technological edge in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.
In conclusion, the India-UK electric propulsion partnership is a cornerstone for naval self-reliance. By mastering IFEP technology, India not only modernizes its fleet but also builds domestic industrial capability to design and sustain next-generation warships.
Prelims practice questions
Q1. With reference to the Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system, consider the following statements: 1. It completely eliminates the need for gas turbines or diesel engines on warships. 2. It offers superior acoustic stealth compared to conventional mechanical propulsion systems. 3. India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility for IFEP is being established through a partnership between GE Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL). Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. Statement 1 is incorrect because IFEP still uses gas turbines or diesel engines as prime movers; however, instead of directly driving the propeller shaft mechanically, they drive alternators to generate electricity. Statement 2 is correct because the absence of direct mechanical coupling reduces noise, enhancing acoustic stealth. Statement 3 is correct as GE Vernova and BHEL are partnering to establish India's first Land-Based Testing Facility for IFEP.
Q2. The 'Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM)', recently in the news for procurement by the Indian Army, is manufactured by which of the following countries?
- Israel
- United Kingdom
- United States
- France
Answer: B. The Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) is a British missile system manufactured by Thales UK. India is procuring these missiles via a government-to-government route to enhance its air defence capabilities.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM): 1. It is a supersonic missile with a velocity of approximately Mach 1.5. 2. It is designed exclusively for shoulder-launched air defence operations. 3. It features a triple-effect warhead and a proximity fuse. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. Statement 1 is correct as the missile has a velocity of Mach 1.5. Statement 2 is incorrect because it is highly versatile and available in shoulder launch, tripod, and vehicle configurations, and can target both surface (wheeled/tracked vehicles) and aerial threats (UAS, helicopters). Statement 3 is correct as it is equipped with a triple-effect warhead and a proximity fuse.
Revision flashcards
- What is Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP)? An advanced warship propulsion system where prime movers generate electricity to power electric motors driving the propellers, offering high stealth, efficiency, and power flexibility.
- Which two entities are establishing India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility for electric propulsion? GE Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).
- What class of Indian Navy vessels will first test the newly developed maritime electric propulsion systems? Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) with displacement over 6,000 tonnes.
- What are the key specifications of the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) being procured by India? Weight: 13kg, Range: over 6 km, Velocity: Mach 1.5, equipped with a triple-effect warhead and proximity fuse.
- Which British Royal Navy vessels currently utilize Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) (as of August 2026)? The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.