Indian Scorpene Submarine to Get Indigenous Propulsion System

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have inked a contract to upgrade an Indian Navy Kalvari-class submarine with two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System modules.

The DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory-developed module comprises fuel cells that generate power and hydrogen, obviating the need to carry hydrogen onboard — a major safety concern.

The AIP is expected to significantly increase the electric-diesel submarine’s 50-day submerged endurance.

Moreover, the system releases non-polluting water as a by-product, making it a green technology.

The integration will be performed by vessel manufacturer France’s Naval Group.

The modules’ manufacturing, integration, and factory acceptance trials will be undertaken at L&T’s AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Surat.

The work is expected to pave the way to upgrade the five remaining Kalvari-class submarines based on the French Navy’s Scorpene class.

Export orders are also expected from foreign Scorpene operators.   

“L&T is privileged to be associated with accomplishing the dream of realizing an indigenous AIP system and mark India‘s joining a  select group of few nations who have developed the requisite technology,” L&T Defence head Arun Ramchandani said.