DRDO Achieves Major Milestone as Indigenous AIP System Enters Phase-2 for Indian Navy Submarines
Distilled Policy Brief
- DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) has achieved a major milestone with the 'Setting to Work Phase-2' inauguration of the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system energy module for Indian Navy's diesel-electric submarines.
- The indigenous AIP system significantly enhances the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines by reducing their reliance on atmospheric oxygen.
- Following rigorous testing of the AIP energy module at L&T Hazira, Gujarat, it is scheduled to be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in early 2027 for integration into Kalvari-class submarines.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system energy module for diesel-electric submarines has been developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), an establishment of DRDO, and is slated for integration into Kalvari-class submarines.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine the significance of indigenous defense research and public-private partnerships (such as DRDO and L&T) in achieving technological self-reliance and boosting India's undersea warfare capabilities.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following statements regarding the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy's diesel-electric submarines: 1. The AIP energy module has been indigenously developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) under the DRDO. 2. The system significantly enhances underwater endurance by entirely eliminating the submarines' reliance on atmospheric oxygen. 3. After rigorous testing, the module is scheduled to be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration into Kalvari-class submarines. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 1 and 3 only
- [C] 2 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The indigenous AIP system energy module has been developed by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL). Statement 2 is incorrect because the AIP system reduces, rather than entirely eliminates, the reliance on atmospheric oxygen. Statement 3 is correct: Following testing at L&T Hazira, the module is scheduled to be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in early 2027 for integration into Kalvari-class submarines.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.