GE Aerospace’s LM2500 gas turbine engine has been selected to power the Indian Navy’s upcoming Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV).
A total of six LM2500 engine kits will be delivered by GE Aerospace for assembly and testing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore, India.
“The LM2500 gas turbine’s proven power and reliability make it the ideal choice for the NGMV mission. We are proud to continue our collaboration with HAL to deliver this critical technology for India’s maritime defense,” GE Aerospace Defense & Systems President and CEO Amy Gowder said.
Next Generation Missile Vessel
India’s Cochin Shipyard Limited is building a fleet of six next-generation vessels for a little over $1 billion, with delivery starting from March 2027.
The warships will be deployed for maritime strike and anti-surface operations and for sea-denial roles against enemy vessels, particularly in choke points.
Deployment will also be for local naval defense operations and seaward defense of offshore development areas.
They will be armed with an array of anti-surface weapons, including eight anti-ship or land-attack missiles such as the Brahmos.
Additional features include stealth and a speed of 35 knots (65 kilometers/40 miles per hour).
LM2500 Engine
First used on the US Navy GTS Admiral W M Callaghan cargo ship in 1969, the LM2500 generates a power of 25,060 kilowatts.
It is used by a total of 33 navies around the world, including the US Navy.
HAL assembled and tested all LM2500 engines fitted on the Indian Navy’s three P17 (Shivalik class) and six P17A (Nilgiri class) frigates, as well as the IAC-1 Vikrant aircraft carrier.
“GE Aerospace has been our valued partner for several decades in marine applications and aerospace,” HAL Chairman and Managing Director D Sunil said.
“For various programs of the Indian Navy, HAL has partnered with GE Aerospace on the LM2500 Gas Turbine Engine. With the addition of the NGMV program, our partnership will further strengthen to greater heights.”