Indian Navy selects GE Aerospace LM2500 Engines for next-generation missile vessels.

According to a PR published by GE Aerospace on October 17, 2024, the engines, known for their reliability and performance, will be assembled and tested by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore, India, as part of a long-standing partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL that dates back to 1986.
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Artist rendering of the future next-generation missile vessels. (Picture source: Twitter account of DefSysCI)

Cochin Shipyard Limited, based in Kochi, India, is building the missile vessels, which will be equipped with advanced anti-surface weaponry and capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 knots. The vessels' propulsion will rely on six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits, along with auxiliary systems and composite enclosures supplied by GE Aerospace.

This collaboration marks a continuation of GE Aerospace’s contributions to the Indian Navy, as the LM2500 also powers other key Indian naval assets, including the P17 and P17A frigates and the IAC-1 Vikrant aircraft carrier. The LM2500's widespread use across global fleets, with over 714 vessels relying on the engine.

Next-Generation Missile Vessels

These vessels are designed as missile corvettes, emphasizing speed, stealth, and firepower, making them essential for coastal defense and maritime strike operations. Their development comes at a time when regional naval competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, is intensifying, necessitating robust platforms capable of both offensive and defensive roles.

At the core of the NGMVs' capabilities is their propulsion system, utilizing a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) arrangement. This setup integrates the General Electric LM2500 gas turbine with two Pielstick 12PA6 STC6 diesel engines, providing both high-speed operation and efficient cruising capabilities. The LM2500 is widely used in naval platforms globally, known for its reliability and power output, allowing the NGMVs to reach speeds of 35 knots. This high speed is essential for rapid response operations and ensuring the vessel's ability to evade threats or quickly position itself for missile strikes. The vessels have a range of 2,800 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots, making them suitable for extended patrols and operations in the Indian Ocean.

The stealth characteristics of the NGMVs are a critical aspect of their design. These vessels feature reduced radar cross-sections, which makes them harder to detect by enemy surveillance systems. Coupled with advanced infrared suppression systems, they are equipped to minimize their visibility in multiple detection spectra, giving them a tactical advantage in high-threat environments.

In terms of armament, the NGMVs are outfitted with a diverse array of offensive and defensive systems. The primary weapon system consists of 8 BrahMos or NASM-MR anti-ship missiles. The BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, is one of the fastest missiles of its kind, capable of delivering devastating strikes against enemy surface ships or coastal installations. With a range exceeding 300 kilometers and traveling at speeds of Mach 3, the BrahMos provides a formidable offensive capability, ensuring the NGMVs can engage enemy vessels from significant distances while remaining outside the range of many defensive systems.

For anti-aircraft defense, the NGMVs are equipped with 32 Vertical Launch Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (VL-SRSAM), a system designed to intercept incoming missiles and aircraft. This system is complemented by a variety of close-in defense measures, including two AK-630M Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), which provide a last line of defense against incoming missiles or small fast-attack craft. These fast-firing rotary cannons are capable of neutralizing threats at close range, protecting the vessel in high-intensity combat scenarios. Additional defensive firepower is provided by two OFT 12.7 mm M2 stabilized remote-controlled guns, enhancing the ship's ability to engage smaller surface threats such as fast patrol boats.

In terms of sensor and fire control systems, the NGMVs are outfitted with multiple radars designed for surface and air surveillance. The Lynx-U2 fire control radar is integrated with the missile and gun systems to provide precise targeting information, ensuring accurate engagement of enemy threats. This is further supported by an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, which allows the ship to passively detect and track targets based on their infrared signatures, offering an additional layer of surveillance that is not dependent on radar emissions.

Electronic warfare and decoy systems also play a vital role in the NGMVs' defense strategy. The Kavach decoy system is employed to confuse and divert incoming anti-ship missiles by creating a cloud of radar-reflective chaff.