Mumbai, April 28 (Representative) Engineering solutions provider GE on Thursday said it has signed an agreement with state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) to provide a boost to the indigenous capability in the field of advanced technology for integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) system for the Indian Navy. GE Power Conversion, a part of GE, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BHEL to enable the latter to leverage its expertise and facilities for quick induction of this advanced technology, combining indigenous manufacture, by the Indian Navy, the company said in a statement issued here.
“GE Power Conversion was integral to an industry-government partnership which developed the UK’s world-leading electric propulsion capability currently in operation with our Royal Navy’s destroyer and aircraft carrier fleets. With proven ability to support India’s frontline ships, BHEL is a perfect partner for this endeavour,” UK Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said. He further said the collaboration between GE Power Conversion and BHEL characterises the UK’s commitment to partnership with India in support of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and will.
On April 22, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced the establishment of a Joint Working Group on India-UK Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership with the goal of fostering military and industrial collaboration in maritime electric propulsion systems. GE Power Conversion is a world leader in electric propulsion, with equipment installed on some of the latest platforms of the US Navy and the Royal Navy, including the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers. These systems provide flexibility in selection and layout of power generation equipment and drive elements with enhancement of stealth features and fuel efficiency. “Keeping in mind the matured state of the technology and potential for integration, electric propulsion has been identified as a key technology for the Indian Navy on new construction platforms,” the company added.