India enlists French help to install AIP in Scorpene submarines
The very first Scorpene produced for the Indian Navy, INS Kalvari, will be fitted with an AIP system. (Photo: Indian Navy)
India has taken an interesting step to add indigenously developed air-independent propulsion to its Scorpene/Kalvari submarines.
Indo-French defence cooperation was boosted on 23 January with an agreement to fit the Defence Research & Development Organisation’s (DRDO) fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) system on INS Kalvari.
Work on this Scorpene submarine, commissioned in 2017, will occur when it comes in for a retrofit.
As part of the agreement, Naval Group will extend cooperation for the detailed design phase for integration, and certify the indigenous AIP in six Kalvari-class submarines.
It is likely an acceptance of necessity will be released for three more to be fitted with the DRDO’s AIP.
A Naval Group spokesperson told Shephard
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
