The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded two contracts worth a total of Rs 2,867 crore for the modernisation of Indian Navy submarines, according to an official statement. The agreements include the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) plug for DRDO’s AIP system and its integration into Indian submarines, as well as integrating Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT) into Kalvari-class submarines. The contracts were signed on Monday in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, was awarded the Rs 1,990 crore contract for constructing and integrating the AIP plug. Meanwhile, the Naval Group, France, secured the Rs 877 crore contract for integrating DRDO-developed EHWT systems.
Ministry of Defence signed two contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore for construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for DRDO-AIP system & its integration onboard Indian Submarines, and the integration of Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onboard the Kalvari-Class… pic.twitter.com/d9Ls8Ch7e1
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 30, 2024
The indigenously developed AIP technology, a significant advancement by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines. The AIP plug allows submarines to remain submerged for extended periods by generating power without requiring atmospheric oxygen. This technology aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative and is expected to generate nearly three lakh man-days of employment during the project’s execution, according to the Defence Ministry.
“The project will significantly boost the endurance of conventional submarines and contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the Ministry stated in a press release.
Integrating the EHWT, a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, will enhance the combat capabilities of Kalvari-class submarines. The EHWT is a large-calibre, self-propelled underwater weapon designed to engage surface ships and enemy submarines, significantly improving the Navy’s firepower.
These contracts mark a major step forward in modernising India’s underwater combat capabilities while fostering indigenous technological development and international collaboration.
Team BharatShakti
