The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a revolutionary air-independent propulsion (AIP) system for submarines, which will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities, announced DRDO chairperson Samir V Kamat on Saturday during the commencement ceremony of IIT Bombay.
Land-Based Prototype Tested in 2021
Kamat revealed that the land-based prototype of the AIP system was successfully tested in 2021. The full version is now in the final stages of preparation at the L&T Hazira plant in Gujarat. Once ready, it will be handed over to Mazagon Dock in Mumbai, where it will be installed on the 14th submarine of the fleet.
Enhanced Submerged Endurance
The system, designed and developed by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory, offers a force multiplier effect by increasing the lethality of diesel-electric submarines. The primary advantage is improved submerged endurance, allowing submarines to remain underwater for extended periods without surfacing.
Kamat also highlighted other advanced projects under development, including a torpedo mounted on a missile capable of destroying a submarine 400 kilometers away, a hypersonic glide missile, and a laser-directed energy weapon.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
On the integrated guided missile development programme, Kamat stated that Agni and Prithvi missiles serve as deterrence. He credited these systems for preventing major attacks on India. Additionally, the Akash missile and airborne early warning aircraft developed by DRDO played a decisive role in Operation Sindoor last year.
