On December 30, Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked two significant contracts worth approximately ₹2,867 crore to boost the Navy capabilities of India. These agreements focus on advancing the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and enhancing the firepower of Kalvari-Class submarines. The larger of the two contracts, worth ₹1,990 crore, was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The contract is signed for the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug. This plug will be integrated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) AIP system for Indian […]
India Signs ₹2,867 Crore Defence Deal For Advanced Submarine Technologies
On December 30, Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked two significant contracts worth approximately ₹2,867 crore to boost the Navy capabilities of India. These agreements focus on advancing the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and enhancing the firepower of Kalvari-Class submarines.
The larger of the two contracts, worth ₹1,990 crore, was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The contract is signed for the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug. This plug will be integrated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) AIP system for Indian submarines. AIP technology plays a crucial role in increasing the endurance of conventional submarines. This is allowing them to remain submerged for longer periods without surfacing for air. This project aligns with India’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India, as the technology is being developed indigenously by DRDO.
The development of the AIP Plug and its integration is expected to make a significant contribution to India’s naval defense, particularly by enhancing the capabilities of its conventional submarines. It is also expected to create employment opportunities, generating nearly three lakh man-days throughout the project. The partnership between MDL and DRDO will allow India to progress toward its goal of self-reliance in advanced defense technologies.
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In addition to the AIP contract, another agreement was signed with Naval Group, France, worth approximately ₹877 crore. This deal is aimed at the integration of Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT) onto the Kalvari-Class submarines. These torpedoes, developed by DRDO, will greatly increase the firepower of these submarines. This will eventually add to the Navy’s strength in underwater warfare. This integration will be a collaborative effort, with the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, France, working together to enhance the capabilities of the Kalvari-Class.
The Kalvari-Class submarines, part of India’s Submarine Fleet, are already highly capable. The integration of the EHWT will provide them with a significant upgrade. These torpedoes are designed for deep-water combat and will increase the lethality of the submarines, making them more effective in defending India’s maritime borders.
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the signing ceremony in New Delhi. He also expressed his support for these advancements, highlighting how they fit into India’s broader defense modernization plans. Moreover the projects are expected to improve the Indian Navy’s operational effectiveness and solidify its position as a formidable maritime force in the region.
These two contracts mark an important step in India’s naval self-reliance and modernization. Moreover as both projects develop, they will bolster the nation’s defense capabilities. This will strengthen its maritime security eventually. This will also contribute to the broader goal of achieving an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
