The Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) on March 8, 2021 conducted the final development test of Air Independent test of the “Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)”. The test was conducted a day before the INS Karanj attack submarine was inducted into the Indian Navy. This is a major step which will make the Indian submarines more lethal. While, INS Karanj will be commissioned on March 10, 2021.
Highlights
The Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) allows the submarine to be submerged for a long period under water. This system also makes the sub-surface platform more deadly by turning it quieter than the nuclear submarine. The Indian Navy has planned to retrofit all of its Kalvari class non-nuclear attack with the AIP system in its first upgrade.
Kalvari Class Submarine
The Kalvari class submarine is having the weight of 1615 tonne. The submarine is being built by Mazagon Dockyards Limited in association with the French Naval Group. This submarine is based on the Scorpene design.
Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
It is any marine propulsion technology which allows the non-nuclear submarine to operate without providing access to the atmospheric oxygen by surfacing or by using the snorkel. This propulsion system can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system which is used in the non-nuclear vessels. The development of AIP technology in India by the DRDO is of huge boost for the Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign because France, China, United States, United Kingdom and Russia are using this technology. This technology is based on the Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell. Thus, the AIP fitted submarine does not require surface for charging its batteries and this way it can remain underwater for long periods.
INS Karanj
It is the third submarine of first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines in the Indian Navy. The submarine is a diesel-electric attack submarine which is based on Scorpene class. It has been designed by the French naval defense and energy group. It was manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited. It was launched on January 31, 2018 and was delivered to Indian Navy in February 2021. It will be commissioned into service on March 10, 2021.