Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts, worth approx. Rs 2,867 crore, for the construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for DRDO-AIP system.
MoD inks Deals of ₹2,867 cr. To Boost Navy’s Power
Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts, worth approx. Rs 2,867 crore, for the construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for DRDO-AIP system And its integration onboard Indian Submarines, and the integration of Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo onboard the Kalvari-Class submarines.
Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo, also known as the F21 Heavy Weight Torpedo, “successfully integrates the mastery of aluminum silver oxide technology, which greatly enhances the torpedo’s range and allows for much higher speed. “. The contract for construction of AIP Plug and its integration was inked with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai worth around Rs 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 Rs 877 crore.
The AIP technology is being indigenously developed by DRDO. The project pertaining to construction of AIP-Plug and its integration will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines and significantly contribute towards the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarines have been constructed at MDL with technology transfer from Naval Group. The boats are capable of various missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, and intelligence.
The navy currently operates five such submarines. The AIP system will be retrofitted when it’s ready and the submarines come for refit, officials aware of the matter said. The AIP systems will allow them to stay submerged for longer.
The navy is likely to soon commission Vagsheer, its sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine under a ₹23,562-crore programme called Project 75. Under P75, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela and INS Vagir have been commissioned.
MDL
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is a company with shipyards situated in Mazagaon, Mumbai. It manufactures warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and offshore platforms and associated support vessels for offshore oil drilling. It also builds tankers, cargo bulk carriers, passenger ships and ferries. MDL is a public sector undertaking managed by the Ministry of Defence, with the Government of India holding an 84.83% stake.
