On March 10 2021, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was achieved in the development of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) by proving the land-based prototype.
Objective of AIP-AIP allows any submarine to stay in water for longer hours and also makes the subsurface platform deadlier by decreasing the noise levels it makes while travelling making it hard to detect.
- According to the user requirement, this plant has functioned in endurance mode as well as max power mode.
- L&T and Thermax are the industry partners for development.
- Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), an Indian defence laboratory of DRDO has developed this system.
Functions of AIP
- Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) has a force multiplier effect on the lethality of a diesel-electric submarine.
- This system will enhance the power to the submerged durability of the boat when compared to other technologies.
- It will allow Indian Navy submarines to operate for up to two weeks without having to surface to recharge its batteries.
Gist about Project 75I:
Earlier, Indian government had decided to deploy these NMRL’s AIP in the Project 75I-class submarine.But due to the delay in manufacturing of AIP, foreign vendor must offer the AIP to submarines of Project 75I.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India. DRDO was formed in 1958 from the merging of Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
- Founded – 1958
- Motto – “Strength’s Origin is in Knowledge”
- Secretary, Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO – Dr G. Satheesh Reddy
