Rajnath's visit to UK: Progressin talks to get key tech for warships
- Discussions on acquiring electric propulsion technology for Indian warships from the United Kingdom progressed during the Defence Minister's recent two-day visit to the country.
Key Highlights
Government-to-Government Agreement:
- Exploration of a potential government-to-government agreement for securing electric propulsion technology from the UK, specifically for powering larger Indian Navy warships, was a focal point.
Current Propulsion Systems:
- Indian warships currently use diesel engines, gas, or steam turbines, lacking electric propulsion systems.
- In contrast, the UK's Royal Navy utilizes integrated full electric propulsion vessels in their Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
Joint Working Group:
- A joint electronic propulsion working group between India and the UK was established, meeting in the UK in February and on the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster in Kochi in March of the previous year.
Testing and Implementation:
- The proposed electric propulsion technology is anticipated to apply to larger Indian warships with a displacement of over 6,000 tonnes.
- Initial testing is expected on Landing Platform Docks and next-generation destroyers.
Prelims Takeaway
- Electric Propulsion Technology