DRDO Chief Inaugurates Steel Cutting for Indigenous Submarine AIP System at L&T Hazira

In a major boost for India's naval capabilities, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), inaugurated the steel cutting ceremony for the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system at Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) Hazira facility. This event marks a critical milestone in the AIP program, signifying the transition from design and development to the manufacturing phase.

The AIP system, developed by DRDO, is poised to revolutionize India's submarine capabilities. By allowing submarines to stay submerged for extended periods without needing to surface for air, the AIP system significantly enhances their endurance and stealth. This is particularly crucial for operations in strategically important waters, where maintaining a low acoustic signature is paramount.

The technology is being manufactured at L&T's Hazira facility following a successful technology transfer from DRDO to L&T Precision Systems and Engineering. This partnership exemplifies the growing collaboration between India's defence research institutions and its private sector, reinforcing the nation's commitment to "Make in India" in defence manufacturing.

During the ceremony, Dr. Kamat expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the AIP system's manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of domestic production for national security. He highlighted that this achievement is a testament to India's growing technological prowess and its dedication to self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The event was attended by key figures from DRDO, L&T, and government officials, underscoring the significance of this project. The ceremonial cutting of steel, a long-held tradition in naval construction, symbolizes the commencement of a project that has been years in the making.

This ceremony not only marks the beginning of the production phase for the AIP system but also reinforces India's journey towards self-reliance in defence technology.

 

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[Sudha]

Need to focus more on work than such ceremony.

 

[desigandu]

Good, when are we going to see a domestic AIP running in a Kalvaris SSK, hopefully by 2028???

Also there are 6 existing Kalvaris + 3 new ones + 12 P76 boats that will need our own AIP, which must evolve quickly into next gen!

 

[Sandeep]

Finally some good news on this crucial technology. Now we just need to install it whenever it’s time for the Kalvari submarines refit. It’s proven to be a reliable and critical technology after going through years of testing to check its safety and reliability.