The Norwegian technology firm Kongsberg Maritime has formalised an agreement to provide 18 substantial Kamewa waterjets for the Indian Navy’s Next-Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) initiative.
This development represents a pivotal expansion for the company, marking its most significant individual waterjet order since its inception. The firm noted that this milestone indicates a robust return to the manufacturing of large-scale waterjet systems following a decade of relatively subdued activity in this specific sector.
Responsibility for the construction of the NGMV fleet lies with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and these vessels are slated to become a fundamental component of India’s maritime security framework.
While the specific financial value of this subcontract was not disclosed in the immediate announcement, the broader NGMV project is a massive undertaking for the Indian Ministry of Defence, which signed the primary acquisition contract with CSL in March 2023 for approximately ₹9,805 crore.
Each of the NGMVs will feature waterjets, delivering exceptional speed and manoeuvrability for high-performance naval operations.
This contract marks Kongsberg Maritime’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.
A spokesperson for Cochin Shipyard Limited, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Kongsberg Maritime for the supply of the waterjet propulsion system for the Naval project currently under construction at CSL for the Indian Navy. 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.
“CSL looks forward to Kongsberg Maritime delivering a high-quality and reliable system in line with the exacting standards required for this important project and to their continued support in achieving an important milestone for CSL.”
Anders Valkeinen, Vice President, High-Speed Craft at Kongsberg Maritime, said, “This is a milestone project for Kongsberg Maritime 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.”
Anette Holte, Country Manager – India at Kongsberg Maritime, added, “We value our long-standing relationship with the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard and are committed to supporting India’s naval ambitions. This contract underlines our dedication to growing our presence in India and delivering world-class technology for critical defence programmes.”
Delivery of the waterjets will align with the NGMV construction schedule at Cochin Shipyard.
The fleet of six NGMVs were deemed a necessity for India’s defence posture in the country’s Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2018, on the understanding that they would support missile systems and surveillance radars. They will be armed with Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, along with a range of shorter-range weaponry to defend against interference.
While the timeline for delivery of the NGMVs remained highly speculative, the choice of the turbines in 2024 could lead to the delivery of the first vessel in the fleet by circa 2027, and the last by 2032.
The fleet of six vessels will cost around US$1.2 billion, meaning each ship will carry an estimated price tag of $198.5 million.
Once completed, these ships will function as high-speed combatants equipped with air surveillance radars, fire control systems, anti-missile defences, and surface-to-surface missiles.
These advanced vessels are primarily designed to project offensive power against hostile warships, merchant shipping, and land-based targets.
The inclusion of high-performance waterjets will ensure they possess the tactical agility required for modern maritime warfare, securing India’s strategic interests in increasingly contested waters.
