New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized two major contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines. The agreements involve retrofitting submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems to increase underwater endurance and integrating heavy-weight torpedoes to boost firepower.
Key Contracts for Submarine Upgrades
The first contract, worth Rs 1,990 crore, was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to construct and integrate an AIP plug based on technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This system will enable submarines to stay submerged for longer durations, reducing their need to surface for oxygen.
The second contract, valued at Rs 877 crore, was signed with France’s Naval Group to integrate electronic heavy-weight torpedoes (EHWT) into the Kalvari-class submarines, enhancing their strike capabilities. Both contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Focus on Indigenous Technology
The DRDO-developed AIP system supports India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defence technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. According to the ministry, this project will generate approximately three lakh man-days of employment.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Scope
The integration of EHWT is a joint effort involving the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group. Officials confirmed that the AIP system will be retrofitted into submarines during their refit schedules.
The Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarines, constructed by MDL with technology transfer from Naval Group, are capable of executing multiple missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and long-range strikes. The navy currently operates five such submarines, with the sixth, Vagsheer, expected to join the fleet soon under the Rs 23,562-crore Project 75 program.
These upgrades are part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its submarine fleet and strengthen underwater combat capabilities in response to evolving maritime security challenges.
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