BHEL & GE Power Have Signed An Agreement To Build Propulsion Systems For The Indian Navy.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), a state-owned engineering corporation, has signed a deal with GE Power Conversion to build integrated electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy. According to a release, “the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BHEL and GE Power Conversion has offered a boost to the indigenous capabilities in the field of advanced technology for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System.”

The MoU was signed in the presence of Jeremy Quin MP, UK Minister of Defence Procurement, Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary Defence Industrial Promotion, Dr. Nalin Shinghal, BHEL’s Chief Executive Officer, and other senior officials.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Jeremy Quin MP, UK Minister of Defence Procurement, Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary Defence Industrial Promotion, Dr. Nalin Shinghal, BHEL’s Chief Executive Officer, and other senior officials.

In the meanwhile, a Joint Working Group on India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership has been established with the purpose of developing military and industry collaboration in the field of maritime electric propulsion systems.

Quin stated, “I am happy that GE Power Conversion and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd have signed an MoU today as the first step in an exciting joint path for the UK and India.”

GE Power Conversion is a world leader in electric propulsion, having equipment on some of the US Navy’s and Royal Navy’s most recent ships, including the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers.

These systems provide for greater flexibility in the selection and configuration of power generating and driving elements, as well as improved stealth and fuel economy.

Electric propulsion has been highlighted as a critical technology for the Indian Navy on new build platforms due to the mature status of the technology and possibilities for integration.