Mumbai, December 30, 2024 – In a significant boost to India’s naval self-reliance, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has bagged a ₹1,990 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) into the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.
The deal was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. It focuses on the construction and integration of an AIP plug for the DRDO-developed AIP system. This technology is pivotal for enhancing the endurance and stealth capabilities of conventional submarines, allowing them to operate submerged for extended periods without the need to surface for oxygen.
The project aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign technology and bolster indigenous defence manufacturing. The AIP system is expected to be a game-changer for India’s naval strategy in the Indian Ocean region, where maintaining a strategic edge is crucial amidst growing regional tensions.
MDL, one of India’s premier shipyards, has been at the forefront of building submarines for the Indian Navy, including the Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75. This new contract not only underscores MDL’s capability in complex naval shipbuilding but also highlights the trust placed by the Indian government in its public sector undertakings to deliver cutting-edge technology.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh remarked, “This contract is a testament to our commitment to advancing our naval capabilities through indigenous innovation. The AIP system will significantly enhance our submarines’ operational effectiveness, supporting our vision of a self-reliant defence sector.”
The project will see MDL working closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has developed the AIP system. The collaboration is expected to foster further technological advancements in underwater propulsion, potentially opening doors for export opportunities in the future.
This contract also promises to generate employment and foster ancillary industries, contributing to economic growth.
As India continues to navigate the challenges of maritime security, this move to integrate advanced propulsion technologies into its submarine fleet marks a strategic fortification of its naval power, ensuring India’s submarines are equipped to meet future challenges head-on.