An AIP module enables conventional submarines to remain submerged for longer, thereby increasing their endurance and reducing the chances of detection
arine at Mazgaon Dockyard | Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini
The Union Ministry of Defence on Monday (December 30, 2024) signed two contracts related to Scorpene-class submarines worth ₹2,867 crore. The first contract is for the construction of the air independent propulsion module (AIP) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and its integration onboard. The second contract is for the integration of the electronic heavyweight torpedo (EHWT) being developed by the DRDO.
“The contract for construction of AIP Plug and its integration was inked with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai [which is] worth around ₹1,990 crore, while the contract for integration of EHWT, being developed by DRDO, was signed with Naval Group, France at an approx. cost of ₹877 crore,” a Defence Ministry statement said.
An indigenously developed AIP module, after delays, is awaiting fitment on Scoepene submarines. Towards this, the DRDO has already entered into an agreement with the France-based Naval Group, the original manufacturer of Scorpenes. As reported by The Hindu earlier, the first Scorpene-class submarine, Kalvari, is expected to go for refit in 2025, when the fitment process would begin, and is expected to take two-three years, that is, till 2027 or 2028.
The construction of the AIP Plug and its integration would enhance the endurance of conventional submarines, and would generate employment of nearly three lakh man days, the Ministry said. The integration of the EHWT would be a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, the DRDO, and the Naval Group, the statement added. The submarines have been operating without a dedicated, modern heavyweight torpedo so far, as the torpedoes meant to be procured from the company were embroiled in a corruption scandal.
An AIP module acts as a force multiplier as it enables conventional submarines to remain submerged for longer duration, thereby increasing their endurance and reducing the chances of detection.
