Defence Ministry inks Rs 2,867 crore contracts to bolster submarine capabilities

The Ministry of Defence signed two contracts, worth around 2,867 crore rupees, for the construction of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system and its integration onboard Indian submarines, and the integration of the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onboard the Kalvari-class submarines. Both contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. The Ministry, in its statement, said that the contract for the construction of the AIP Plug and its integration was inked with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, worth around 1,990 crore rupees, while the contract for the integration of the EHWT, being developed by DRDO, was signed with Naval Group, France, at an approximate cost of 877 crore rupees. The Ministry highlighted that AIP technology is being indigenously developed by DRDO. The project pertaining to the construction of the AIP Plug and its integration will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines and significantly contribute towards the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The Ministry added that it would generate employment of nearly three lakh man-days. The integration of the EHWT will be a collaborative effort by the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, France. The Ministry said that it would greatly augment the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-class submarines of the Indian Navy.