Norway’s maritime technology leader Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply Kamewa waterjet propulsion systems for six Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) ships being built for the Indian Navy.
Each vessel in the program will be powered by three Kamewa waterjets, meaning a total of 18 propulsion units will be delivered for the six-ship fleet.
The NGMV program represents a major modernization of India’s coastal strike capabilities, replacing older missile boats with faster, stealthier vessels designed for high-speed hit-and-run operations in littoral waters. The ships are expected to exceed 35 knots (around 65 km/h), making them among the fastest heavily armed combat vessels in the Indian Navy.
The project follows the ₹9,805 crore contract signed in March 2023, with steel cutting for the first vessels beginning on December 16, 2024. The first ships are expected to begin entering service around 2027.
Why Did the Indian Navy Choose Kamewa Waterjets for NGMVs?
The Kamewa waterjet system developed by Kongsberg Maritime is widely used in high-speed naval and commercial vessels due to its superior maneuverability and efficiency at high speeds.
Unlike traditional propellers, waterjets work by drawing water into an internal pump and expelling it through a high-speed nozzle, generating thrust.
This system offers several advantages for missile vessels operating close to shore:
- Higher speeds compared to conventional propeller systems
- Greater maneuverability, allowing rapid turns during combat
- Lower draft, enabling operations in shallow coastal waters
- Reduced acoustic signature, making the vessel harder to detect by submarines
For a missile boat designed to launch strikes and quickly withdraw, these characteristics are essential.
What Are the Technical Specifications of the Next-Generation Missile Vessel?
The Next Generation Missile Vessel is being designed as a fast, stealth-oriented missile corvette optimized for coastal combat operations.
Expected key characteristics include:
- Propulsion: 3 × Kamewa waterjets per vessel
- Maximum Speed: Over 35 knots
- Primary Role: Coastal strike and anti-ship warfare
- Operational Concept: High-speed “hit-and-run” attacks in littoral zones
The vessels are intended to replace older missile boats in the fleet while integrating modern sensors, propulsion technology, and long-range strike weapons.
How Do Waterjets Enhance the Stealth and Speed of Missile Corvettes?
Waterjet propulsion provides both performance and survivability advantages compared to conventional propellers.
Because waterjets are mounted internally within the hull, they produce less underwater noise, which reduces the ship’s acoustic signature. This makes the vessel harder to detect using sonar.
Waterjets also eliminate exposed propellers and shafts, allowing ships to operate in shallower waters without risking damage, which is particularly useful for missions near coastlines.
Another advantage is rapid acceleration. Waterjet-powered ships can quickly increase speed, enabling missile vessels to launch weapons and disengage before enemy forces can respond effectively.
The “Teeth” of the NGMV: Expected Armament
Although the propulsion contract focuses on waterjet systems, the offensive capability of the NGMV will come from its missile and gun systems.
The vessels are expected to carry a powerful armament package that may include:
- 8 × BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles
- 1 × 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)
- AK-630M close-in weapon system for missile defense
The integration of the BrahMos gives these relatively compact ships the ability to strike enemy warships at long ranges with high precision.
Timeline: From Contract to Induction
The NGMV program is progressing through several major milestones:
- March 2023: ₹9,805 crore contract signed for six missile vessels
- December 16, 2024: Steel cutting ceremony for the first ships
- 2027 onward: Planned induction into the Indian Navy
Once operational, these vessels will significantly strengthen India’s coastal strike and sea-denial capabilities.
Why the NGMV Program Matters for India’s Naval Strategy
The Indian Navy has increasingly emphasized fast, survivable strike platforms capable of operating in congested coastal environments.
Missile vessels equipped with high-speed propulsion and long-range anti-ship missiles allow the navy to conduct rapid offensive operations while minimizing exposure to enemy counterattacks.
With advanced propulsion from Kongsberg Maritime and powerful weapons like the BrahMos, the Next Generation Missile Vessel program represents a key step in modernizing India’s littoral warfare capabilities.
As these ships begin entering service later this decade, they are expected to form the backbone of India’s future high-speed coastal strike fleet.
