What Happened
- Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract to supply 18 large Kamewa waterjet propulsion systems for the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) programme — the largest single waterjet order in the company's history.
- The six NGMVs are being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under a ₹9,804 crore (over $1 billion) contract signed in March 2023; steel cutting for the first vessel began in December 2024.
- Each NGMV will be fitted with three Kamewa waterjet units (18 total for six vessels), enabling a maximum speed of 35 knots and a range of at least 2,800 nautical miles.
- The vessels, displacing approximately 2,200–2,800 tonnes, will carry BrahMos anti-ship/land-attack missiles, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, and a 15 km-range medium-range gun system.
- Induction of the vessels into the Indian Navy is expected to begin from 2027.
Static Topic Bridges
Waterjet Propulsion Technology
Waterjet propulsion draws water through an inlet in the vessel's hull, accelerates it using an impeller, and expels it at high velocity through a nozzle — eliminating exposed propellers and shafts. Kamewa, a brand under Kongsberg Maritime, pioneered naval waterjet application on corvettes with the Swedish Royal Navy in the 1980s.
- Underwater acoustic noise is 10–15 dB lower than conventional propeller systems; a 10 dB drop is perceived as halving noise — critical to stealth.
- Waterjet vessels can reduce turning diameter by 40–50% compared to propeller-driven ships and generate rudder forces up to four times greater.
- Waterjets are more hydrodynamically efficient than propellers at high speeds (above ~25 knots), making them ideal for fast corvette-type vessels.
- Lower draught requirement: propellers would increase vessel draught by up to 0.65 m.
Connection to this news: The NGMV programme uses three Kamewa waterjets per vessel to achieve the 35-knot top speed and low acoustic/magnetic signature requirements for Indian Navy stealth corvette operations.
India's Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) Programme
The NGMV is a class of anti-surface warfare stealth corvettes being developed for the Indian Navy. The programme exemplifies the "Buy Indian-IDDM" (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) procurement model, with hull construction at Cochin Shipyard — a key public-sector shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- Contract value: ₹9,804 crore for six vessels (Cochin Shipyard, signed 2023).
- Displacement: ~2,200–2,800 tonnes; crew of 11 officers + 80 sailors.
- Armament: BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles (8 per vessel), SAM point-defence system, 15 km-range MR gun.
- Stealth features: Low radar cross section (RCS), reduced infrared, acoustic and magnetic signatures.
- Steel cutting commenced December 2024; induction from 2027.
Connection to this news: Kongsberg's Kamewa waterjets are the propulsion core of the NGMV's stealth and speed profile, representing a Norway–India defence-industrial partnership.
Defence Acquisition Procedure — DAC and CCS Approval
India's defence procurement follows a tiered approval structure. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, provides Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital proposals. Large acquisitions then require Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval before contract award.
- DAC was established in 2001; members include the Chief of Defence Staff (CCS) and tri-service chiefs.
- Procurement categories: Buy (Indian-IDDM) — highest preference; Buy (Indian); Buy & Make (Indian); Buy & Make; Buy (Global).
- IDDM category requires minimum 50% indigenous content by value in materials, components, and software.
- NGMV project: DAC → CCS → Cochin Shipyard contract pathway.
Connection to this news: The waterjet contract (to Kongsberg) sits within the larger NGMV programme, where hull construction is domestic (Cochin Shipyard) but niche propulsion technology is sourced through international cooperation, illustrating the layered indigenisation strategy.
India–Norway Defence and Maritime Cooperation
Norway and India maintain an active partnership in the maritime domain, leveraging Norway's long-standing expertise in naval architecture, shipbuilding, and ocean technology. The Kongsberg Kamewa waterjet deal is the latest and largest expression of this collaboration.
- Kongsberg Maritime supplies defence-grade propulsion systems globally; previous naval customers include Sweden (Visby-class corvettes), Oman (Khareef-class), and several NATO navies.
- India–Norway bilateral ties span fisheries, ocean research, and now naval propulsion technology.
Connection to this news: The contract marks Kongsberg's entry into large Indian Navy equipment programmes and underscores Norway's role as a trusted defence technology partner for India.
Key Facts & Data
- 18 Kamewa waterjet units to equip 6 NGMVs (3 per vessel).
- Contract value for NGMV programme: ₹9,804 crore (~$1 billion+), signed 2023.
- Top speed: 35 knots; range: 2,800+ nautical miles.
- Displacement: ~2,200–2,800 tonnes per vessel.
- Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
- Steel cutting: December 2024; planned induction: from 2027.
- Waterjet noise advantage: 10–15 dB lower acoustic signature vs propeller ships.
- Waterjet turning diameter reduction: 40–50% vs conventional propeller.
- Largest single Kamewa waterjet order ever awarded.