NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two significant contracts worth approximately Rs 2,867 crore to bolster the capabilities of Indian submarines. These contracts, aimed at enhancing the endurance and firepower of the Indian Navyโs submarine fleet, were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on December 30, 2024.
The first contract, valued at around Rs 1,990 crore, is with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, for the construction of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system. This AIP technology, which is being developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be integrated into Indian submarines to significantly enhance their endurance.
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The integration of this system is expected to play a pivotal role in Indiaโs โAatmanirbhar Bharatโ initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence technology. The project will generate nearly three lakh man-days of employment, further boosting the domestic defence industry.
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. The EHWT, being developed by DRDO, will enhance the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-Class submarines, ensuring that the Indian Navy remains at the forefront of modern naval warfare.
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Both projects will involve collaboration between the Indian Navy, DRDO, and international partners, ensuring a robust and modernized fleet of submarines. These initiatives are in line with Indiaโs strategic objectives to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities and maintain a strong presence in the global naval landscape.
