DRDO Seeks Partners for Indigenous 3000+ HP Marine Diesel Engine Development for Project-76 Submarines

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is spearheading efforts to develop a high-performance marine diesel engine for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Project-76 submarines. As this critical naval initiative nears final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), DRDO is actively engaging with domestic and global partners to acquire the necessary technology.

Project-76: Strengthening India's Naval Power

Project-76 aims to construct six advanced conventional diesel-electric submarines indigenously. These submarines will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) for enhanced underwater endurance and next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The Indian government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 90-95% indigenous content, making it imperative to develop a locally produced marine diesel engine rather than rely on imports in the long run.

The Need for a Powerful Indigenous Marine Engine

Each Project-76 submarine will require two marine diesel engines, each producing over 3,000 horsepower. These engines must seamlessly integrate with other onboard systems while ensuring high reliability, endurance, and stealth—critical factors for underwater operations. Unlike nuclear-powered submarines like the Arihant-class, which rely on nuclear propulsion, these conventional submarines demand advanced diesel technology capable of supporting extended submerged missions.

Challenges in Domestic Engine Development

Currently, India lacks expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance marine diesel engines suitable for submarines. While domestic companies like Kirloskar Oil Engines, Cummins India, and Ashok Leyland have experience with industrial and defense-related diesel engines, they have never developed marine propulsion systems of this scale.

To bridge this gap, DRDO is considering a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with a foreign manufacturer, enabling knowledge transfer and local production. Establishing a robust supply chain and skilled workforce for such complex systems will require significant investment and time, which must be managed alongside Project-76’s tight timelines.

Development Timeline and Expected Induction

Project-76 is expected to receive CCS approval by mid-2025, marking the beginning of a three-year design phase. Each submarine will take approximately five years to build, with the first vessel likely to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by 2033. These submarines, estimated to have a displacement of 3,000-4,000 tons, will incorporate stealth technology, advanced sonar systems, and potentially vertical launch systems (VLS) for cruise missiles.

Given the tight schedule and the complexity of indigenous engine development, the first two submarines are expected to be powered by imported marine diesel engines. Germany’s MTU (Rolls-Royce Power Systems), known for its reliable MTU 4000 series engines used in German Type 212A submarines, is a strong contender to supply these initial engines.

Towards Self-Reliance in Submarine Technology

While initial units may use foreign engines, the long-term goal remains complete self-reliance. DRDO’s collaboration with domestic and international partners will pave the way for a fully indigenous marine diesel engine solution, reinforcing India's defense capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

Project-76 represents a significant leap in India's submarine warfare capabilities, ensuring the Navy remains at the forefront of maritime defense in the coming decades.