Navy subs to receive next-gen torpedoes

Indian Navy submarines will get two new technologies — one that enables the vessels to stay underwater for longer periods and the other is an addition of next generation of torpedoes to the arsenal.

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The Ministry of Defence today signed separate contracts to integrate these two technologies on board the fleet of Kalvari class submarines. Indian Navy has five submarines of the class and one more is set to be commissioned. Three more are set to be ordered.

The MoD said a contract was signed today for construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology made by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The integration of the AIP with the submarines will be done by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. The contract is for Rs 1,990 crore.

Another contract has been signed for integration of Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) to be developed by DRDO and will be integrated on board the submarines by the Indian Navy, the DRDO and the Naval Group, France. The contract is for Rs 877 crore.

The Naval group and the MDL are in a joint venture that makers Kalvari class submarines at Mumbai.

An EHWT is an advanced torpedo equipped with sophisticated electronics and guidance systems, allowing them to track and engage targets with high precision. They are heavier and more powerful than standard torpedoes, making them effective against larger and more heavily armoured targets.

The AIP technology being indigenously developed by DRDO will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines. The AIP is a marine propulsion technology that allows non-nuclear submarines to operate under water for longer periods.