AIP Modules

June 23, 2023

Context:

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a contract for realisation of two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Modules for the Kalvari Class of submarines of the Indian Navy.

About Air Independent Propulsion:

AIP technology allows a conventional submarine to remain submerged for much longer than ordinary diesel-electric submarines.
AIP has a force multiplier effect on lethality of a diesel electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance of the boat several folds.
Improved stealth capacity:
- All conventional submarines have to surface to run their generators that recharge the batteries that allow the boat to function under water.
- However, the more frequently a submarine surfaces, the higher the chances of it being detected.
- AIP allows a submarine to remain submerged for more than a fortnight, compared to two to three days for diesel-electric boats.
Indigenization of AIP:
- DRDO had achieved an important milestone in the development of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System by proving the land-based prototype.
- India is developing AIP based on fuel cells. These cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy, recharging the batteries of the submarine.
Around 10 countries have developed or are close to building AIP technology, and almost 20 nations have AIP submarines.

Additional Information

About Kalvari-class Submarine:

Kalvari-class is a diesel-electric submarine which includes vessels, such as the INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagsheer and INS Vagir.
Of these, Kalvari and Khanderi were commissioned in 2017 and 2019, and Vela and Karanj were inducted in 2021. Vagir has now been commissioned and Vagsheer was launched in 2022.

News Source: The Hindu