Indigenous AIP System Achieves Key Milestone
Ministry of Defence · Security · Posted 24 OCT 2026 6:53PM
What happened
The Ministry of Defence inaugurated the 'Setting to Work Phase-2' activity for the indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system Energy Module by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory at Hazira, Gujarat. The system will enhance the underwater endurance of the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines.
Why it matters for UPSC
This development highlights indigenous defense manufacturing and technological self-reliance under the security syllabus theme of defense technology and indigenization.
Key objectives
- Inauguration of Setting to Work Phase (STW)-2 activity of the indigenous AIP system Energy Module developed by Naval Materials Research Laboratory, DRDO.
- AIP system increases the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines by reducing dependence on atmospheric oxygen.
- The AIP Energy Module will be integrated on Kalvari-class Submarine by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in early 2027.