SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology, an official from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has revealed to IDRW.org that lithium-ion battery packs, designed for submarine programs like the Kalvari-class, are currently in the testing phase. The official stated that once the battery system proves its reliability on a submarine testbed, it will be ready for mass adoption across all new submarines planned for the Indian Navy.
This development marks a milestone for India, as the lithium-ion battery pack has been indigenously developed in collaboration with local vendors. With this achievement, India joins a select group of nations capable of producing such advanced and niche technology domestically.
The Indian Navy is reportedly eager to phase out older battery systems currently in use across its submarine fleet and replace them with these next-generation lithium-ion packs, provided the ongoing trials conclude successfully. Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries offer superior energy density, longer operational life, and faster recharge times, making them a game-changer for submarine endurance and performance.
The Kalvari-class submarines, based on the French Scorpene design, are among the Navy’s most advanced underwater platforms. Equipping them with indigenous lithium-ion batteries would not only enhance their operational capabilities but also reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, bolstering India’s strategic autonomy.
The MDL official did not disclose a specific timeline for the completion of trials but emphasized that rigorous testing is underway to ensure the technology meets the Navy’s stringent standards. Once approved, the lithium-ion battery packs could pave the way for their integration into future submarine projects, including the ambitious Project-75I, which aims to build six advanced stealth submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems.
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