India Defence Industry

[Gessler]

Maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks held at BEML in Mysuru​

Defence Secretary terms it as a transformative moment which will enhance India’s military capabilities​

Posted On: 20 MAR 2024 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane presided over the maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 Horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks at BEML’s Engine division in Mysuru complex on March 20, 2024. The achievement heralds a new era in the country’s defence capabilities, showcasing the technological prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defence technologies.

The 1500 HP engine represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems, possessing cutting-edge features such as high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions including high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and desert environments. Equipped with advanced technologies, the engine stands on par with the most advanced engines globally.

Inaugurating the Test Cell, the Defence Secretary described the achievement as a transformative moment which will enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces. CMD of BEML Shri Shantanu Roy stated that the accomplishment solidifies BEML's position as a key contributor to defence production in the country, underscoring its commitment to serving the nation's needs in this critical sector.

The first test-firing of the 1500 HP engine signifies the completion of Generation One, focusing on technology stabilisation. Generation Two will see BEML producing engines for various trials at Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, a DRDO laboratory, and their integration into actual vehicles for user testing. The project is slated for completion by mid-2025. The project, initiated in August 2020, has been meticulously structured into five major milestones, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

The Defence Secretary also inaugurated the ‘Wall of Fame’ to recognise the extraordinary efforts of the BEML team. It symbolises their contribution towards advancing the defence capabilities of the country and achieving milestones in indigenous technological innovation. Senior civil and military officers of the Ministry of Defence; industry partners and officials of BEML Ltd were present on the occasion.

Maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks held at BEML in Mysuru

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane presided over the maiden test-firing of India’s first indige

pib.gov.in

 

[Nilgiri]

The 1500 HP engine represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems, possessing cutting-edge features such as high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions including high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and desert environments. Equipped with advanced technologies, the engine stands on par with the most advanced engines globally.

Finally! I remember reporting on this project back when this forum started ~2020. Glad to see its maturation and now large applications to come.

 

[Nilgiri]

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, a $3 billion global conglomerate with interests cutting across automotive, power, railways, casting, mining, construction, defence and aerospace sectors among others, is a passionate and innovative global business leader who believes India is poised to become a major defence manufacturing hub that can supply to the world.

Speaking to Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale in this episode of 'On the Shop Floor', Kalyani explains why he thinks defence business is important for his company’s growth as also for India’s quest for self-reliance in defence. KSSL, as the defence subsidiary of the parent Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), therefore aims to contribute significantly to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat project he says.

KSSL, riding on The Group’s legacy and experience in design, engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing expertise over five decades, has designed snd developed products across Artillery Systems, Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles Upgrade, Ammunition, Missiles and Air Defense solutions and Defense Electronics. KSSL also has strategic relationships with many leading defense companies in the form of Joint Ventures or Strategic Partnerships, all aimed towards achieving the greater goal of being a leading defence player in the world.

 

[Lemurian]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1779373108786507866

 

[Nilgiri]

L&T, a construction giant with a long history, came into the defence business only at the turn of the 21st century, thanks to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who roped in companies like the Tatas and L&T to build some parts in the Integrated Guided Missile Programme in the 1980s.

At the beginning of this century, the government opened up licensed defence manufacturing for Indian companies. Then L&T decided to obtain defence licenses. Since then, it has been a thrilling ride, a bit of a roller coaster, says Arun T. Ramchandani, head of L&T Defence in this chat with Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale in the latest episode of On the Shop Floor.

Looking back, he says because L&T started from a core R&D base it has been able to build at least 250 products for the armed forces. About 35 of them are in serial production today. Gradually the company also got into warship construction and has made a name for itself in designing and building submarines too. Watch the full episode shot at L&T's Talegaon complex.

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1783118627660583051

 

[Gessler]

New 310-meter building dock at CSL shaping up (left)...larger carriers in the future will be built here; should be able to hold PANG-sized ships:

The old dock on the right was where the Vikrant (262-meter) was built.

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1799001777586810895

 

[Nilgiri]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1800459711755813193

 

[Nilgiri]

About 2.5 billion USD and 7.5 billion USD respectively.

Thoughts @Gessler et al?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1823918363925516644

 

[Gessler]

About 2.5 billion USD and 7.5 billion USD respectively.

Thoughts @Gessler et al?

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1823918363925516644

I had originally hoped that we'd switch to AL41 for higher thrust but it seems we've determined that isn't necessary.

I've also heard that rebuilding the AL31FP with new materials (some the result of our own R&D drawing from Kaveri program) can result in considerably higher TBO figures. Which is arguably a better benefit in the long run.

I wonder if we've also found a way to draw more electrical power from the same core with a different generator. We're going ahead with an AESA upgrade (and a huge AESA at that) for the MKI so I'd think maybe we did.

 

[Knowledgeseeker]

I thought it would be more wise to continue the discussion here, I don't know if I'm in the right thread. Please move it if I'm at the wrong place


Yes, I understood that the Stryker deal is seen as a pure political deal based on what I have read around on the internet. The reason why I mentioned that the further development that will take place between Morocco, and India could serve well for India is because the platform might change drastically.

Perhaps it could become a huge headache for decision-makers in India when it enters mass production. We need to remember that the Whap has still not entered the mass production phase, and the Pro"Foreign" platform group surely does use this argument when encouraging the armed forces to adopt a foreign IFV/AFV.


Do you get my point?

Indian army's reasoning for considering the Stryker is purely political. Like all Foreign procurements, this is a product of Modi's defense diplomacy.. [practiced by governments before Modi as well].. where in India buys defense equipment for certain geopolitical favors in return

But the ongoing tussle with Canada might put the Stryker deal on hold due to Trudeau's tantrums (which is a welcome sign of course) and will pave the way for procurement of WhAP in large numbers