The Indian Navy is aggressively advancing its indigenous propulsion capabilities with a target operational date of 2029, marking a critical step towards self-reliance under the Make in India initiative. On July 28, 2025, the Navy approved the Indigenous Gas Turbine Marine Engine Development Program, aiming to produce 24-28 MW gas turbine engines suited for destroyers, frigates, and future combatants. This program includes collaborations with Bharat Forge, which has acquired a significant stake in Ukrainian engine maker Zorya-Mashproekt to co-develop marine gas turbines and diesel-electric propulsion systems. A budget of ₹1,27,554 crore has been sanctioned for naval platform development, covering 94 projects in total. This push not only reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers like Ukraine and the US but also enhances its strategic autonomy and competitiveness amidst rising maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. The indigenous propulsion systems will significantly boost naval endurance, stealth, and rapid response capabilities, cementing India’s stature as a prominent maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.