Indigenous AIP System for Indian Navy Achieves Key Milestone
The Ministry of Defence announced a significant milestone in enhancing the Indian Navy's underwater capabilities with the inauguration of the 'Setting to Work Phase-2' (STW-2) activity for the indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system Energy Module. The system, developed by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory, specifically boosts the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines by reducing their dependence on atmospheric oxygen for propulsion.
The inauguration ceremony took place on October 24, 2026, at Larsen and Toubro's AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. Defence Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, served as the Chief Guest attending virtually. Chief of Materials, Indian Navy Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO Dr R Balamuralikrishnan attended the event physically at the L&T facility.
During the ceremony, the Chairman DRDO congratulated both DRDO and industry partners, acknowledging the scientific perseverance and industrial cooperation that has made the indigenous AIP Program a productive reality. He specifically recognized the Indian Navy's cooperation throughout the program, including testing and validation at every trial stage. Emphasis was placed on maintaining exacting safety standards required for hydrogen and fuel cell systems while working toward the next phases of the program to meet the Navy's induction timelines.
The next phase involves energizing the AIP Energy Module for power production followed by rigorous testing according to Indian Navy's protocols. The system is scheduled for handover to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration on Kalvari-class submarines in early 2027, representing a critical step in enhancing India's naval defense capabilities through indigenous technology development.