TL;DR : Rolls-Royce has offered to help the Indian Navy build its first electric warship. The company wants to use hybrid and full-electric systems to reduce fuel use and support India’s defense and sustainability goals. This partnership was announced during a UK naval visit to Mumbai in October 2025.
🔹 Key Developments
Official Announcement:
Rolls-Royce announced its intent to partner with the Indian Navy to design and deploy India’s first electric warship during the UK Carrier Strike Group’s visit to Mumbai on October 9-10, 2025.
Focus on Electric Propulsion:
The collaboration will explore hybrid-electric and fully electric propulsion systems for Indian naval ships, aiming to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Technology to Be Used:
Rolls-Royce’s MT30 marine gas turbine, used on the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales, will likely be part of the system. It powers ships using Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) and delivers up to 109 megawatts.
Company Statement:
Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President for Defence (India & Southeast Asia) at Rolls-Royce, said:
“Our long-standing experience in defence places us in a strong position to contribute to India’s growing naval ambitions.”
Strategic Significance:
The move aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goal for self-reliance in defense and strengthens UK-India defense cooperation, including prior agreements from June 2025 on electric propulsion development.
Future Plans and Challenges:
Rolls-Royce aims to expand local manufacturing and collaborate with Indian shipyards. Challenges include infrastructure gaps and high initial costs, but hybrid systems may be deployed by 2030.
Potential Impact:
This partnership could lead to next-generation Indian warships with lower fuel use, quieter operations, and reduced maintenance, positioning India among global leaders in green naval technology.