In a transformative breakthrough for the Indian Navy, the Kalvari-class submarines developed under Project-75 are set to be equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. This cutting-edge technology will significantly enhance the submarines' endurance, enabling them to operate underwater for longer durations without surfacing. The steel-cutting ceremony for the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed AIP system took place on December 28, marking a crucial step in this development.
The Steel-Cutting Milestone and Collaboration
The steel-cutting ceremony, held at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Hazira facility, was presided over by Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of DRDO. Earlier in June 2023, DRDO and L&T signed a contract to supply two AIP system modules for the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines.
L&T, as the prime industry partner, has been collaborating with DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) for over a decade. The steel-cutting ceremony follows the inauguration of an AIP Integration and Testing Facility at the AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in July 2024. The AIP modules are expected to be built and tested at this facility by the end of 2025, after which they will be installed on INS Kalvari, the first of six Scorpène-class submarines, during its major refit in September 2025.
About the AIP System and Its Benefits
The AIP system enables non-nuclear submarines to operate without requiring atmospheric oxygen, increasing their underwater endurance by three to four times. Conventional submarines equipped with AIP can remain submerged for 10 to 14 days, significantly reducing their vulnerability to detection during snorkeling.
The DRDO-developed fuel-cell-based AIP system is unique as it generates its hydrogen requirement onboard, eliminating the need for hydrogen storage. This enhances the submarine’s mobility and stealth capabilities, allowing it to “bottom” or sit on the ocean floor with minimal energy consumption while monitoring targets using passive sonar.
INS Kalvari as the Testbed
The AIP system will first be integrated into INS Kalvari, the lead submarine of the Scorpène class built under Project-75 by Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the French Naval Group. The process involves cutting the submarine into two halves to install the AIP module, increasing its length and weight.
Naval Group will oversee this complex retrofitting process, with extensive testing to follow before the system is integrated into other submarines in the fleet. While the upgrades may temporarily impact the Navy's operational readiness, the move is widely hailed as a monumental advancement in India's maritime capabilities.
Strategic Importance of AIP Technology
AIP technology is essential for bridging the gap between nuclear-powered submarines and conventional diesel-electric submarines. It offers critical advantages:
- Extended Underwater Operations: Submarines can remain submerged longer, enhancing their stealth and operational range.
- Enhanced Maritime Security: AIP-equipped submarines are better suited to counter the growing Chinese and Pakistani naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Tactical Superiority: The ability to operate undetected for extended periods is invaluable in modern naval warfare.
Addressing Regional Challenges
India's submarine fleet has lagged behind regional adversaries like China and Pakistan, both of which have AIP-equipped submarines. Pakistan’s Agosta-90B submarines, equipped with French AIP systems, have been operational for years, and its collaboration with China on Hangor-class submarines further strengthens its fleet.
Integrating AIP into India's Kalvari-class submarines is a strategic move to counter these challenges. It ensures that the Indian Navy remains competitive in the IOR, maintaining a stealthy and lethal presence capable of monitoring and countering adversaries’ activities.
Looking Ahead: Project-75I
The success of the AIP integration lays the groundwork for Project-75I, the Indian Navy's ambitious plan to acquire six advanced submarines with AIP technology. Leading contenders include:
- Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS): Offering the Type 214 submarine with a Lithium-Ion battery for extended endurance.
- Navantia: Proposing the S-80 submarine with Bioethanol Stealth Technology (BEST), which generates hydrogen onboard using bioethanol.
However, stringent requirements outlined in the Navy's Request for Proposal (RFP) have posed challenges for foreign bidders. As a result, India's indigenous AIP technology becomes even more critical in ensuring the Navy's underwater capabilities evolve to meet future demands.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Indian Navy
The integration of the indigenous AIP system into India's Kalvari-class submarines marks a significant leap in the nation's maritime defense capabilities. By enabling extended underwater operations, the AIP system enhances the Navy's stealth and lethality, providing a much-needed edge in the strategically critical Indian Ocean Region.
As India works toward self-reliance in defense technologies, the development and deployment of the AIP system symbolize not just a technological milestone but also a step toward securing the nation's maritime sovereignty in an increasingly contested environment.
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