Defense News ,India & Ukraine :- Bharat Forge has recently taken control of 51% of the Indian division of Zorya Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company. Zorya's gas turbine powerplants play a crucial role in the functioning of all of India's destroyers and Talwar class frigates.
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, India has decided to speed up its shift away from relying on Russian defense technology. This move became necessary as the ongoing war created a difficult situation for India, causing delays in the production of the last two ships in the frigate class.
The agreement for this acquisition was signed by Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, a company fully owned by Bharat Forge, on May 9, 2023. The entire acquisition process was completed by December 31, 2023, as reported by EA Times.
Most Indian warships currently use engines from Ukraine. In addition to producing key components for regular maintenance, the factory is now manufacturing gas turbine engines for two Russian frigates to be built at the Goa Shipyard Limited under a contract from 2016.
Back in September 2016, the defense ministry had signed contracts with Zorya-Mashproekt for the supply of gas turbine engines for Project 11356 class frigates. The $71.6 million contract was fulfilled, and the equipment was delivered to the Russian Yantar shipyard, where two frigates are being constructed.
Another contract was signed for two additional sets for the remaining frigates being built at the Goa Shipyard Ltd. Work has already begun on these frigates, and the Russian-made ships are expected to be delivered within two years.
To address the crisis in Ukraine, contingency plans are being considered to reduce dependence on a single source for critical equipment. One option is to establish gas turbine manufacturing plants in India through a partnership program, but the financial feasibility needs further study.
It has also been learned that European gas turbine manufacturers are offering their products as an alternative to Ukrainian systems. However, fitting a different engine would be a complex process, requiring some design changes.
The situation is expected to improve soon as Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) has acquired a majority stake in the Indian arm of Ukrainian Zorya Mashproekt, securing a promising future for India's naval capabilities.
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