SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s submarine technology, the Secretary of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) jointly inaugurated a cutting-edge Land-Based Submarine Battery Test Facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.
The event was graced by the presence of the Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), the Director of NSTL, and other esteemed scientists from the organization. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test submarine batteries based on lithium-ion technology, a development spearheaded by NSTL.
In a collaborative effort, M/s. HBL Power Systems, Hyderabad, the technology transfer (ToT) holder, has successfully produced the necessary cells and modules, integrating them with their proprietary Battery Management System. The chosen cell chemistry ensures exceptional safety during storage, transportation, and operation.
The versatile test facility is capable of simulating various speeds and maneuvering regimes that a submarine encounters at sea, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of the battery’s performance. This inauguration marks a crucial milestone in India’s pursuit of indigenous submarine technology and underscores the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in critical defense sectors.