New Delhi, December 30, 2024 — The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two significant contracts worth approximately Rs 2,867 crore to strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s conventional submarines. These contracts, which aim to enhance endurance and firepower, were formalized in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The first contract, valued at around Rs 1,990 crore, was awarded to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, for the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug and its integration into the Indian Navy’s submarines. The AIP system, being developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will significantly improve the endurance of conventional submarines, enabling them to operate for longer periods underwater without the need for surface air supply. This project is set to bolster the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by enhancing self-reliance in advanced naval technology and generating employment of nearly three lakh man-days.
The second contract, worth approximately Rs 877 crore, was signed with Naval Group, France, for the integration of the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onto the Kalvari-Class submarines. Developed by DRDO, this torpedo will significantly enhance the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-Class, one of the Indian Navy’s most advanced submarine classes. The integration of the EHWT will be a collaborative effort involving the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, further strengthening the Navy’s underwater strike capabilities.
These contracts mark a major milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its naval forces with cutting-edge technologies, aligning with its strategic objectives to enhance national security and defense capabilities.
