SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy, in its pursuit of enhancing underwater capabilities through the ambitious Project-75I, is currently grappling with significant hurdles concerning the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems of the submarines on offer. The project, aimed at acquiring six advanced diesel-electric submarines, has seen proposals from two major international players: Spain’s Navantia and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). However, the latest developments indicate a level of dissatisfaction from the Navy with the AIP trials conducted by both contenders.
Navantia, which partnered with Larsen & Toubro, presented its AIP solution based on a land-based prototype. This demonstration, although showcasing technological prowess, did not meet the Indian Navy’s requirement for sea-proven AIP technology. The Navy’s insistence on operational trials under actual submarine conditions underscores the critical importance of reliability and performance in real-world scenarios, where land-based tests do not fully replicate the complexities involved.
On the other hand, TKMS, in collaboration with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, did manage to demonstrate its AIP system onboard a submarine. However, the system showcased was designed for submarines in the 2000-ton category, significantly smaller than the 3000-ton submarines that Project-75I is set to procure. This discrepancy necessitates the development of a larger, more powerful AIP system to meet the Indian Navy’s specifications for the U-214NG submarine on offer. Such a development could potentially lead to further delays, given the technical adjustments and testing required.
The situation leaves the Indian Navy at a crossroads. Neither contender has fully satisfied the Navy’s criteria for AIP technology, which is pivotal for extending the underwater endurance of submarines, thereby enhancing their stealth and operational effectiveness. The trials have revealed a gap between the capabilities demonstrated and the Navy’s expectations for operational readiness and scalability of the AIP systems.
The next steps for the Indian Navy are not yet clear. The Navy might consider Requesting both vendors to provide further demonstrations or revise their systems to meet the exact specifications, particularly in terms of size and endurance undersea conditions. If the current offers are not satisfy, the Navy might reconsider opening the tender to other international players who might have or can develop the required AIP technology.
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