GE Aerospace’s LM2500 Powers Indian Navy War Ships

The Indian Navy selected GE Aerospace’s LM2500 to power its new NGMV fleet, built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. in Kochi, India. GE Aerospace will deliver six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits for assembly and test by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore. In addition, GE Aerospace will deliver its composite base, enclosure, and a full suite of gas turbine auxiliary systems.

HAL assembled and tested all LM2500 gas turbines currently installed on the Indian Navy’s P17 and P17A frigates, as well as the IAC-1 Vikrant aircraft carrier. In 2023, HAL and GE Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their capabilities to include assembly, inspection, and testing of the LM2500 marine gas turbine. To date, GE Aerospace delivered 24 marine gas turbine kits to HAL for the Indian Navy.

LM2500 gas turbine and enclosure; image credit: GE Aerospace

“GE Aerospace has been our valued partner for several decades in the marine applications and aerospace,” said Dr. D Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL. “For various programs of Indian Navy, HAL has partnered with GE Aerospace on the LM2500 gas turbine engine. With addition of NGMV program, our partnership will further strengthen to greater heights.”

About the NGMV

The NGMV is a new design for the Indian Navy that will reach a max speed of 35 knots and be equipped with a collection of anti-surface weapons. The LM2500 is the core of its propulsion system, delivering power while meeting stealth requirements.

“The LM2500 gas turbine's power and reliability make it the ideal choice for the NGMV mission,” said Amy Gowder, GE Aerospace Defense & Systems President and CEO. “We are proud to continue our collaboration with HAL to deliver this technology for India's maritime defense.”

GE Aerospace News

In early October, GE Aerospace provided its 52,000-employee workforce with a new software-based assistant—AI Wingmate. The company collaborated with Microsoft to use Azure AI, including Azure OpenAI Service, to bring enhanced security, compliance, and responsible AI inside GE Aerospace’s network. Employees can use AI Wingmate to collaborate on new ideas, new learnings, and new initiatives to improve air travel.

Since the tool’s launch in June 2024, the system received approximately 500,000 queries, searches, and other employee interactions, as well as more than 200,000 pages processed for varying AI chats. AI Wingmate offers GE Aerospace employees a secure, internal platform to engage and utilize generative AI capabilities and infuse new data and information over time, supporting the company’s business requirements.

In August, GE Aerospace and the Polish Ministry of National Defense agreed to support an upcoming acquisition of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters equipped with GE’s T700 engines. Per the agreement, Military Aviation Works will provide licensed maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for Apache T700/CT7 engines, in addition to the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk and Leonardo AW149 and AW101 helicopters in the Polish Armed Forces aircraft fleet.

The Military University of Technology in Warsaw will manage T700/CT7 training for polish technicians, military personnel, and WZL-1 employees supporting helicopter fleet operation. The Polish Ministry of National Defense will have a full engine depot and domestic engine training capabilities, ensuring supply security for platforms powered by T700/CT7 engines. Additionally, the agreement establishes future partnerships on GE Aerospace’s combat engines, including the F110, F414, and F404.