Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a key contract to supply 18 large advanced Kamewa waterjet propulsion systems for the Indian Navy’s next-generation missile vessel programme (NGMV).Unlike conventional propellers, waterjets draw water in, accelerate it, and eject it at high speed, delivering superior stealth, high-speed performance and rapid acceleration, exceptional manoeuvrability, reduced draft which is perfect for shallow waters and better survivability as there are no exposed propellers. These capabilities are critical for modern naval platforms, particularly missile vessels that require agility and precision in demanding maritime environments.The contract has been awarded in collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Ltd, where the vessels are currently under construction. The NGMV programme is a Rs 9,805 crore initiative by the Indian Navy to acquire six advanced, high-speed stealth corvettes for anti-surface warfare. These vessels will act as primary strike platforms armed with 8 BrahMos missiles, 24 VL-SRSAM missiles, and advanced surveillance systems to boost sea-denial capability.A spokesperson for Cochin Shipyard said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Kongsberg Maritime for the supply of the waterjet propulsion system… Kongsberg Maritime has been a valued and reliable partner to CSL across several commercial projects in the past, and the association has been marked by strong technical cooperation and mutual confidence. We look forward to Kongsberg delivering a high-quality and reliable system in line with exacting standards required for this important project.”This contract is Kongsberg’s largest single waterjet order to date and signals a strong return to large waterjet manufacturing after a relatively quiet period over the past decade.Anders Valkeinen, vice-president, high-speed craft at Kongsberg Maritime, said: “This is a milestone project and a testament to the trust placed in our waterjet technology for demanding naval applications. Our Kamewa waterjets will deliver the speed, agility and reliability required for these advanced missile vessels.”
