Aatmanirbhar Bharat push: MoD signs Rs 425-cr deal with Bharat Forge for gas turbine generators

In a significant step towards strengthening India's defence manufacturing capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 425-crore contract with Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited for the supply of 12 marine gas turbine generator (GTG) sets for the Indian Navy.

The agreement marks the first time an Indian company will manufacture and deliver indigenous gas turbine-based power plants for Navy warships.

The project is being seen as a major boost to the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.

The contract was signed under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020's 'Buy (Indian)' category and mandates a minimum indigenous content of 60 per cent.

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Critical power systems for naval operations

The generators covered under the contract are rated at 1.25 MW and will provide electrical power to critical systems onboard naval warships.

These include advanced weapons, sensors, communication equipment and combat management systems that require a continuous power supply during operations.

Marine gas turbine generators are an essential component of modern warships, ensuring that key operational and combat systems function effectively in demanding maritime conditions.

According to the defence ministry, the project will help improve the Indian Navy's operational readiness while enhancing self-reliance in strategic technologies.

"The project will enhance maritime self-reliance in critical technologies and improve the Indian Navy's operational readiness through indigenous production and comprehensive lifecycle support," the ministry said in a statement.

Boost to indigenous defence manufacturing

The contract is scheduled to be executed over a period of five years. As part of the programme, Bharat Forge will establish a dedicated facility for the integration and testing of marine gas turbine generators.

The company is also expected to play a role in the future design and development of larger marine power plants and propulsion gas turbines, helping expand India's capabilities in advanced naval engineering.

The project will likely contribute to the creation of a robust domestic ecosystem for the production and maintenance of critical naval systems.

Reducing dependence on foreign suppliers

Bharat Forge said that the new 1.25 MW generators will replace lower-capacity units currently deployed on Indian Navy vessels, improving overall efficiency and performance.

The company added that the programme will support the development of indigenous expertise in manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul of gas turbine systems.

This is expected to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical naval equipment and strengthen long-term self-sufficiency in the sector.