Navy to get 12 sets of indigenous 1.25 MW gas turbine generators for Kolkata-class ships, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Forge Limited for the acquisition of 12 sets of 1.25 MW gas turbine generators.
• Valued at approximately Rs 425 crore, these generators are intended for onboard power generation on Kolkata-class ships of the Indian Navy.
• The contract mandates at least 60% indigenous content and will be executed over a period of five years.
• This procurement marks a significant step towards indigenous manufacturing of marine gas turbine generators, reducing reliance on imports.

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Detailed Insights:

• The contract was awarded under the Buy (Indian) category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020), emphasizing domestic production.
• Historically, Indian warships have been fitted with marine gas turbine generators imported from Russia since the 1980s.
• Each warship utilizes a combination of two to four marine gas turbine generators and marine diesel generators for power generation.
• The Indian Navy has been actively working to indigenize gas turbine parts and compressors over the last three years to reduce dependence on imported spare parts.
• This agreement signifies Bharat Forge Limited's entry into the marine gas turbine business, delivering the first indigenous gas turbine-based power plant for Indian Naval ships.
• The new 1.25 MW generators will replace lower-capacity units currently in service, enhancing the operational readiness of the fleet.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Indigenization: The process of developing and producing goods or services domestically, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign imports and enhance self-reliance.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020): India's policy framework governing the procurement of defence equipment, designed to promote indigenous manufacturing and streamline acquisition processes.
• Gas Turbine Generators: Engines that convert fuel into mechanical energy to drive an electrical generator, providing power for propulsion and onboard systems in naval vessels.
• Kolkata-class ships: A class of three stealth guided-missile destroyers (Project 15A) of the Indian Navy, built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), known for their advanced combat systems.