The Union Ministry
Of Defence on Monday (December 30, 2024) signed two contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore related to Scorpene-class submarines. The first contract is for the manufacture of the Air Independent Propulsion Module (AIP) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its integration onboard. The second contract is for integration of Electronic Heavyweight Torpedoes (EHWT) being developed by DRDO.
The contract
“For construction of AIP plug and its integration was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai for approximately Rs 1,990 crore, while the contract for integration of EHWT being developed by DRDO was signed,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The indigenously developed
AIP module, after a delay, is waiting to be fitted on Skoene submarines. For this, DRDO has already entered into an agreement with France-based Naval Group, the original manufacturer of Scorpene. The first Scorpene-class submarine, Kalvari, is expected to go for repairs in 2025, when the fitment process will begin, and is expected to take two-three years, that is, by 2027 or 2028.
The construction
Of the AIP plug and its integration will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines and generate employment of about three lakh man-days, the ministry said. The integration of the EHWT will be a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, DRDO and Naval Group, the statement said.
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