Kongsberg Maritime supplies waterjets for Indian naval vessels

Naval defence and high-speed marine propulsion systems require solutions capable of combining speed, manoeuvrability, and reliability under demanding operational conditions. In this context, Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply 18 large Kamewa waterjets for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) programme, currently being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Waterjet propulsion for high-speed naval operations
The integration of waterjet propulsion systems into missile vessels addresses operational requirements such as rapid acceleration, shallow draft capability, and enhanced manoeuvrability. Unlike conventional propeller-based systems, waterjets draw in water and expel it at high velocity, enabling vessels to achieve higher speeds while maintaining control in constrained or coastal environments.

For the NGMV fleet, each vessel will be equipped with multiple Kamewa waterjets, supporting performance characteristics suited to fast attack and interception roles. These vessels are expected to play a strategic role in India’s maritime defence operations, where agility and response time are critical.

Alignment with naval construction programme
The delivery schedule of the propulsion systems is coordinated with the vessel construction timeline at Cochin Shipyard Limited, ensuring integration within the broader shipbuilding workflow. This coordination is essential in naval projects, where propulsion, hull design, and onboard systems must be synchronised to meet performance and safety requirements.

A representative from Cochin Shipyard Limited highlighted the importance of technical collaboration, noting that the partnership is based on prior cooperation across commercial shipbuilding projects and focuses on delivering systems that meet stringent naval standards.

Industrial significance of the contract
This order represents the largest single waterjet contract awarded to Kongsberg Maritime, indicating renewed demand for high-capacity waterjet systems in defence applications. It also reflects a broader trend in naval engineering toward propulsion technologies that support flexible deployment, reduced acoustic signatures, and improved operational efficiency.

From a manufacturing perspective, the contract signals a return to large-scale production of waterjet systems after a period of lower activity in this segment. The company stated that the selected propulsion systems are designed to meet the operational demands of advanced missile vessels, particularly in terms of speed and handling performance.

Applications and operational advantages
Waterjet propulsion systems are widely used in naval vessels, patrol boats, and fast ferries where high speed and manoeuvrability are essential. In defence applications, they offer advantages such as reduced risk of damage from debris, improved performance in shallow waters, and compatibility with stealth-oriented vessel designs.

For the Indian Navy’s NGMV programme, these characteristics support mission profiles that include coastal defence, rapid interception, and high-speed deployment, aligning with evolving maritime security requirements.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

www.kongsberg.com