Ahmedabad: India’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for diesel-electric submarines has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity for its Energy Module in Hazira, Gujarat.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Naval Materials Research Laboratory, the AIP system is designed to enhance the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines by reducing their dependence on atmospheric oxygen.
The inauguration ceremony was held on October 24 at Larsen & Toubro’s AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira. Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh attended virtually as the chief guest. Indian Navy Chief of Materiel Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar and DRDO Director General (Naval Systems & Materials) Dr R. Balamuralikrishnan attended the event at the facility.
Speaking on the occasion, the DRDO Chairman congratulated the scientists and industry partners for their efforts in advancing the indigenous AIP programme. He also acknowledged the Indian Navy’s support in testing and validating the system throughout its development and stressed the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards for hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.
In the next phase, the AIP Energy Module will be energised for power production and undergo rigorous testing in accordance with Indian Navy protocols. Following the tests, it is scheduled to be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration into a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027. The milestone marks further progress in India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous defence technology and enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.
