DRDO's indigenous AIP system enters setting-to-work phase-2, to be handed to Navy in early 2027

What has happened

According to the Defence Ministry, a significant milestone has been achieved in enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory has indigenously developed the energy module of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. The setting-to-work phase-2 activity of this module was inaugurated.

What the AIP system does

The AIP system increases the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines. This is because it reduces their dependence on atmospheric oxygen.

Where and when the inauguration took place

The inauguration ceremony was held on 24 October 2026 at Larsen & Toubro’s AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex, Hazira, Gujarat. Defence Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and DRDO Chairman Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh was the chief guest, who joined the ceremony virtually. Indian Navy’s Chief of Materiel Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and DRDO’s Director General (Naval Systems and Materials) Dr R Bala Murli Krishnan were present at the event at L&T Hazira.

What happens next

In the next phase, the AIP energy module will be activated for power generation and rigorously tested as per Indian Navy procedures. After that, it will be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in early 2027 for integration on a Kalvari-class submarine.

What the official said

On the occasion, the DRDO Chairman congratulated DRDO and industry partners. He appreciated the scientific patience and industrial collaboration in the indigenous AIP programme, which he said has now turned into productive reality on the shop floor. He also acknowledged the Indian Navy’s support to DRDO, including testing and validation at every test stage of the programme. He stressed working on the next phases to meet the Navy’s induction timeline for the AIP system, while also underlining the importance of maintaining the necessary safety culture of the hydrogen and fuel cell system without any compromise.

What this means for ordinary people

This is a defence technology achievement and is not directly connected to the everyday life of ordinary people. No one needs to apply for anything or meet any date because of it.