In a significant boost to India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for submarines, which is now in its final stages. The advanced technology is set to enhance the operational endurance of conventional diesel-electric submarines of the Indian Navy.
With the integration of the AIP system, submarines will be able to remain submerged for extended durations without the need to frequently surface for battery recharging. At present, conventional submarines must come closer to the surface to recharge their batteries, increasing the risk of detection. The new system is expected to significantly reduce this vulnerability, thereby improving stealth and combat effectiveness.
The AIP system developed by DRDO is based on phosphoric acid fuel cell technology, which generates power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. One of its key advantages is its low acoustic signature, making submarines much harder to detect during operations.
According to sources, the indigenous AIP system will be installed in a phased manner on the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines. It is likely to be first integrated into INS Khanderi, followed by extensive sea trials to validate its performance.
Defence experts believe that with this development, India will join a select group of nations possessing indigenous AIP capability. The achievement is expected to significantly enhance India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean Region while reinforcing the country’s push towards self-reliance in defence technology.