NEW DELHI: India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its submarine fleet with the recent signing of two crucial defence contracts worth approximately Rs 2,867 crore. These agreements, inked on December 30, 2024, mark a milestone in India’s push for greater self-reliance in defence, as well as its efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarines. The contracts focus on the integration of an indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and the addition of advanced Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT) to the Kalvari-Class submarines.
The first of these two contracts, worth Rs 1,990 crore, was awarded to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the construction and integration of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) plug for the DRDO-developed AIP system. This technology promises to revolutionize India’s conventional submarines by significantly enhancing their submerged endurance. The AIP system, a key feature of which is the ability to generate hydrogen onboard, will enable these submarines to remain submerged for much longer durations without the need to surface—an essential capability for stealth operations.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), the AIP system is one of the most advanced indigenous technologies in India’s defence arsenal. The contract to integrate this technology into the Indian Navy’s submarines signals a major leap in India’s ambition to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and foster a more self-sufficient defence industry.
In addition to its military significance, the AIP system project is also expected to create significant employment, with an estimated three lakh man-days in labour, supporting local industries and manufacturing capabilities. The project is aligned with the broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims to make India self-reliant in critical defence technologies.
The second contract, valued at Rs 877 crore, focuses on enhancing the firepower of India’s Kalvari-Class submarines. This agreement with Naval Group, France, will see the integration of the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) into the Kalvari-Class submarines. The torpedo, developed by DRDO, is a cutting-edge weapon system that will significantly boost the offensive capabilities of these submarines, allowing them to better protect India’s maritime borders.
The integration of the EHWT will elevate the Kalvari-Class submarines to a new level of combat effectiveness, ensuring that India’s naval forces are better equipped to face emerging underwater threats. This collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group exemplifies the importance of international partnerships in advancing India’s defence capabilities while staying committed to indigenous development.
These two contracts not only represent significant milestones in the development of India’s naval capabilities but also underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and France. The collaboration between the two nations on the integration of AIP technology into the Kalvari-Class submarines is a testament to their shared commitment to strengthening underwater defence and enhancing strategic deterrence in the region.
With these new contracts, India is set to significantly enhance the capabilities of its submarine fleet, making it more formidable in terms of endurance, stealth, and firepower. The indigenous AIP system and the addition of advanced torpedoes to Kalvari-Class submarines will bolster India’s maritime security and enhance its operational flexibility. Moreover, these initiatives reflect India’s growing capacity to develop, integrate, and manufacture advanced defence technologies, positioning the country as a rising force in global naval power.
Source: The Financial Express
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