India tests fuel cell-based AIP for submarines

The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved an ‘important milestone’ in development of an indigenous air-independent propulsion (AIP) system for submarines after testing a land-based prototype, the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) announced on 9 March.

The system ‘was operated in endurance mode and max power mode as per user requirements’, the PIB added, noting that it has reached sufficient maturity to be fitted on ‘target vessels’.

A fuel cell-based AIP capability is being developed by the DRDO-run Naval Materials Research Laboratory  (NMRL), in partnership with Larsen & Toubro and Thermax.  The system is unique ‘as the hydrogen is generated onboard’, according to the PIB.

AIP to enable lengthy submerged endurance is one feature of the new P-75 Kalvari class of six diesel-electric submarines under construction for the Indian Navy. These boats are being built in India by Mazagon Docks Ltd (MDL), using the Scorpene design from Naval Group in France under a technology transfer agreement.

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.