Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from India to supply 18 large Kamewa waterjets for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). The deal marks the company’s largest waterjet order and highlights a revival in production activity after a relatively slow decade.
The Kamewa system uses waterjet propulsion, which draws in and expels water at high speed instead of relying on conventional propellers. This design improves speed, agility, and fuel efficiency while minimizing noise and vibration during high-performance operations.
Cochin Shipyard Limited is currently building six NGMVs under a contract finalized in March 2023, with deliveries scheduled to commence by March 2027. These vessels are intended for roles such as maritime strike, anti-surface warfare, and sea denial, particularly in critical maritime zones.
Each vessel will be outfitted with advanced weaponry, including surface-to-surface missile systems, anti-missile defenses, and integrated air surveillance and fire control radars. The ships will be powered by GE Aerospace LM2500 gas turbines and are expected to reach speeds of approximately 33 knots.
Beyond combat roles, the NGMVs will also contribute to coastal defense and the protection of offshore infrastructure, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities.
