Defence Ministry Contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore have been signed to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. These agreements, signed in Delhi on Monday, aim to significantly boost the endurance and firepower of the submarines. In the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, the contracts were finalised, with a focus on advancing the Navy’s strategic submarine capabilities.
Defence Ministry Contracts to Strengthen Submarine Endurance
The first contract, valued at approximately Rs 1,990 crore, has been awarded to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). It is for the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system. This technology will allow submarines to remain submerged for extended periods, as it generates power without relying on atmospheric oxygen. The implementation of AIP technology is crucial for increasing the stealth and operational endurance of conventional submarines, which will be vital for long-duration missions.
The second contract, worth around Rs 877 crore, was signed with France’s Naval Group. This agreement focuses on the integration of the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onto the Kalvari-Class submarines. The EHWT is a state-of-the-art underwater weapon designed to target both surface ships and other submarines, enhancing the Navy’s offensive capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the indigenous development of the AIP technology, led by DRDO, would contribute significantly to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, India’s vision of becoming self-reliant in defence production. The projects are expected to create nearly three lakh job opportunities across various sectors, strengthening the nation’s defence and industrial capabilities.