The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore with MDL and Naval Group to enhance submarine capabilities.

National

On December 30, 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) finalized two significant contracts totaling Rs 2,867 crore. The first contract focuses on the development of an "Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system" and its integration into Indian submarines. The second contract pertains to the integration of the "Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT)" into Kalvari-Class submarines. These contracts aim to enhance India's naval capabilities, ensuring greater endurance and operational efficiency for the Indian Navy.


      - The contracts were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

      - The goal is to strengthen the endurance and firepower of India's naval forces using indigenous technologies, thereby enhancing operational capabilities and promoting self-reliance in the defense sector.

      - The Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarines, built at MDL with technology transfer from Naval Group, are capable of multiple missions including anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, and intelligence gathering.

Main Point :-   (i) A Rs 1,990 crore contract was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for constructing and integrating the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system, which will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines by allowing them to stay submerged longer without atmospheric oxygen.

      (ii) A Rs 877 crore contract with Naval Group, France, was signed for integrating Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT) on Kalvari-Class submarines, boosting their offensive capabilities to protect India's maritime borders.

(iii) The integration of the AIP Plug and EHWT will significantly increase the firepower and endurance of India's naval assets, contributing to the self-reliant defense initiative, "Aatmanirbhar Bharat."
About Naval Group

CEO: Pierre-Eric Pommellet
Headquarters: Paris, France
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