The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai for air independent propulsion (AIP) plugs worth nearly Rs 1,990 crore. The plugs will integrate the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed AIP system into the Kalvari-class submarines.
An AIP is fitted onto conventional submarines with an AIP plug to allow the submarines to stay underwater longer without having to come up to the ocean surface for air, hence reducing the chances of detection by the enemy. AIP acts as a ‘force multiplier’ of a diesel-electric submarine.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the DRDO is developing the AIP technology indigenously. The project, pertaining to the construction of the plugs and the integration of the AIP with the conventional submarines, will enhance the endurance of the submarines and significantly contribute towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Sources in the DRDO said the DRDO-developed AIP is ready and has entered the manufacturing stage. Naval Group, Headquartered in France, Naval Group will provide design moddifications for the submarine. MDL will integrate the AIP on board the submarines with the plugs.
Larsen & Toubro and DRDO signed the contract for making two AIP system modules for the Kalvari-class submarines of the Navy in June 2023.
In March 2021, the DRDO successfully tested the land-based prototype.
At the time, the Ministry of Defence, in a statement, noted that the DRDO operated the prototype in endurance mode and maximum power mode, according to the user requirements. The Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) of DRDO is developing the system.
The statement said fuel cell-based AIP has merits in performance compared to other technologies. “While there are different types of AIP systems being pursued internationally, fuel cell-based AIP of NMRL is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard,” it said.
Another important contract that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed is a Rs 877 crore contract with France’s Naval Group for integrating the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) on board the Kalvari-Class submarines.
The Ministry of Defence, in a press statement, said that the EHWT will greatly augment the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-class submarines of the Navy. The project will be a collaborative effort among the Navy, DRDO and Naval Group.
