Underwater stealth: DRDO successfully demonstrates home grown AIP, to be pitched for new subs

Under development by DRDO for the next generation of diesel electric submarines, the AIP has undergone extensive trails that have now demonstrated that it can be used for underwater operations in excess of two weeks. The system was developed in partnership with private sector players L&T and Thermax.

“DRDO has achieved an important milestone in the development of AIP System by proving the land based prototype on 8 March 2021. The plant was operated in endurance mode and max power mode as per the user requirements,” an official statement read.

Sources told ET that the land based prototype is now ready for integration with submarines, with the first project possibly to upgrade the current line of Scorpene boats that have entered service. Plans are underway to equip the first of the class with the home grown AIP when it comes up for its first medium life refit.

DRDO has gone in for a fuel cell based AIP, which has higher safety margins and better performance than other such systems available globally. “While there are different types of AIP systems being pursued internationally, fuel cell based AIP of NMRL is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard,” DRDO says.

The timing of the successful trial – which included an extended run at full power to simulate high speed underwater manoeuvres – is also linked to an upcoming acquisition of next generation submarines under Project 75I.

Being processed under the strategic partnership model, the multi billion dollar deal will be awarded either to state owned Mazagaon Dockyards Limited or L&T. The Indian yards need to partner with foreign collaborators and have options from France, Germany, Russia, South Korea and Spain.

Sources have told ET that the decision to be now taken by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is on whether the AIP system onboard the new boats will be the one developed by DRDO or will it be based on a competitive process. The Navy, sources said, is keen to have the DRDO AIP on board the current Scorpene class when the refits happen but may like to have a competitive process for the P 75I deal.