India and the United Kingdom are working together to develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for four Landing Platform Docks planned for the Indian Navy.
The two countries are expected to sign an inter-governmental agreement for the project. The move follows a 2024 agreement between their defence ministries to work together on electric propulsion for Indian naval ships. The Statement of Intent was signed in Portsmouth on November 28, 2024.
The four Landing Platform Docks are expected to be built at an Indian shipyard and will use a full-electric propulsion system. Each vessel is expected to displace around 29,000 tonnes. The system will also provide additional electrical power for equipment on board, including radars, sensors and other electronic systems.
Indian company Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and UK-based GE Vernova are working together on the project. They are developing a land-based facility where the propulsion system can be tested before it is fitted on the ships. The tests will show how the system performs in practice.
The project is also expected to give India more experience in advanced naval propulsion, with the next-generation LPD targeted to be in the water around 2030.
Landing Platform Docks are used to move troops, vehicles and helicopters. They can also support disaster relief and humanitarian operations.
The project adds to the growing defence relationship between India and the UK. It also gives the two countries an opportunity to work together on technology that could be used on future naval vessels.
