One of the most important problems of domestic shipbuilding is the modernization of the fleet under the sanctions of unfriendly countries. To solve this problem, it is necessary to ensure import substitution of key elements of power plants of vessels and ships. The article is devoted to the review of the current state of design and production of the main elements of power plants of vessels and ships with water jet propulsion. The designs of the main types of water jet propellers used in power plants are described, their advantages are shown. The requirements for the drive engines of water cannons when using them as part of marine power plants are formulated. Based on the analysis of sources of scientific and technical information related to the field of research, the prospects of using water jet propulsion in the creation of high-speed vessels and ships operating in shallow water (lower Volga, inland waterways, coastal waters of the Caspian Sea, etc.) are shown. The technical characteristics of the main elements of power plants (water cannons and engines) produced by domestic enterprises are given. Based on the conducted review of the products of domestic enterprises, a conclusion is made about the possibility of solving the problem of import substitution when completing power plants of vessels and ships with water jet propulsion. The necessity of continuing scientific research and development aimed at upgrading the engine systems used to drive water cannons and the search for alternative designs of drive engines is shown. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of completing power plants with water cannons with star-shaped engines of domestic production.