Indian Navy Enhances Submarines with Indigenous AIP and EHWT Integration
Key Ideas
- The Indian Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore for constructing Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug and integrating Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) on Indian submarines, aiming to enhance their capabilities.
- The AIP technology, developed by DRDO, will increase the endurance of conventional submarines and support the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, creating employment opportunities and reducing safety concerns by generating hydrogen on demand.
- The integration of EHWT, a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, France, will significantly boost the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-Class submarines.
- India's achievement in developing fuel cell-based AIP technology joins it with a select group of nations, showcasing naval innovation and technological advancement in defense capabilities.
The Indian Ministry of Defence recently announced the signing of two significant contracts totaling around Rs 2,867 crore for advancements in submarine technology. The contracts involved the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug and the integration of an Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onto Indian submarines. These initiatives were aimed at enhancing the endurance and firepower capabilities of the Indian Navy's submarines.
The AIP technology, developed indigenously by DRDO, is a crucial component that will significantly improve the endurance of conventional submarines. By generating hydrogen on demand and obviating the need to carry hydrogen onboard, the system addresses major safety concerns. This project not only supports the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative but also promises to create a substantial number of job opportunities.
The integration of the EHWT, a product of collaboration between the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group of France, is expected to enhance the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-Class submarines to a great extent. This joint effort showcases the collaborative spirit in advancing military technologies.
The core of the AIP System, including the AIP Modules and Energy Modules (EMs) producing power through fuel cells and hydrogen generation, marks a significant milestone in India's defense technological advancement. The integration of these modules in submarines will place India in an elite group of nations that have developed fuel cell-based submarine AIP technology, portraying the nation's prowess in naval innovation.
The manufacturing, integration, and trials of the energy modules will be conducted at L&T's AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Surat, signifying a step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and technology development.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Indigenous Development
Submarine Technology
Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Indian Navy
Defense Contracts
Collaborative Project
Naval Innovation
Military Capability
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