SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formally requested the Indian Navy to transfer one of its aging Kilo-class submarines. This move aims to utilize the vessel as a testbed for new technologies under the ambitious Project-76, which plans to introduce a next-generation class of submarines.
Project-76 is envisioned as a leap forward in India’s indigenous submarine manufacturing, focusing on creating advanced, air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped diesel-electric attack submarines. The project represents India’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign technology while bolstering its maritime defense infrastructure.
The Kilo-class submarines, officially known in India as the Sindhughosh class, have been a backbone of the Indian Navy’s underwater fleet. These Soviet-era submarines, while nearing the end of their operational life, offer a robust platform for testing due to The Kilo-class has a well-understood and reliable design, making it an ideal candidate for experimentation without the risks associated with newer, untested platforms. : Utilizing an existing submarine for testing purposes is significantly more cost-effective than developing a new test platform from scratch. The Indian Navy has decades of operational experience with these submarines, providing valuable insights that can be leveraged in the development process.
DRDO’s plan involves outfitting the selected Kilo-class submarine with various cutting-edge technologies to be incorporated into the Project-76 submarines like Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), Lithium-ion Batteries, Indigenous Weapon Control Systems, Advanced Sensor and Communication Suites and Electric Propulsion Motor.
The transformation of the Kilo-class into a research vessel would not only serve Project-76’s immediate needs but also contribute to long-term naval technology development in India. This includes refining technologies that could be retrofitted into the current fleet or applied to future naval projects.
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