The Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system Energy Module developed indigenously by Naval Materials Research Laboratory, DRDO has been inaugurated. This development will boost the underwater endurance of Indian Navy's diesel-electric submarines.
On October 24, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved towards enhancing the underwater capabilities of the Indian Navy with the inauguration of 'Setting to Work Phase (STW)-2' activity of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system Energy Module. Developed indigenously by Naval Materials Research Laboratory, DRDO, this system is designed to boost the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines by reducing their dependence on atmospheric oxygen. The ceremony took place at Larsen and Toubro’s, AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh graced the event virtually. Chief of Materials, Indian Navy Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO Dr R Balamuralikrishnan attended the event at L&T Hazira, Gujarat. During his speech, Chairman DRDO appreciated the scientific perseverance & industrial cooperation in the indigenous AIP Program and emphasised on working towards next phases of the program to meet Navy’s induction timelines for AIP system while maintaining safety culture. The next phase will involve energising the AIP Energy Module for power production and testing as per Indian Navy's protocols before handing it over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration on Kalvari-class Submarine in early 2027.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
