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SOURCE: AFI

A heated debate has been unfolding on X (formerly Twitter), where netizens and defense analysts clash over the origins of the Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system intended for India’s submarines. The crux of the debate centers on whether this technology was solely developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) or if it was a collaborative effort with the French Naval Group. Here’s an exploration of the facts to clarify the “actual reality.”

DRDO has publicly stated that the AIP technology was developed by its Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) with support from Indian industry partners like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Thermax. This narrative emphasizes India’s push towards self-reliance in defense technology.

Contrary to this, some argue that the French Naval Group played a significant role in the development or at least in the integration phase of the AIP system. This viewpoint often highlights the agreement signed between DRDO and Naval Group in January 2023, where the French company agreed to certify the AIP design for integration into the Kalvari class submarines.

The actual reality is nuanced. While DRDO, through NMRL, has indeed spearheaded the development of the fuel cell-based AIP system, the role of the French Naval Group has been more about integration and certification. The agreement with Naval Group was primarily to validate and integrate the indigenous AIP into the submarines, not to co-develop the technology itself.

The collaboration should be seen as part of a broader strategy of technology transfer and knowledge sharing. DRDO developed the core technology, but the French company’s involvement was crucial for ensuring that this technology could be practically implemented in existing submarine designs, particularly the Kalvari class, which is based on the French Scorpène submarine.

Statements from both sides have been consistent. DRDO officials have emphasized the indigenous development aspect, while the French Naval Group has highlighted their role in the integration process. For instance, Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO of Naval Group, has spoken about their pride in cooperating with Indian stakeholders to integrate the AIP safely, which aligns with the narrative of technology integration rather than co-development.

The fuel cell-based AIP for Indian submarines was indeed developed by DRDO with significant contributions from Indian industry partners. However, the French Naval Group’s role was pivotal in the subsequent phase of integration and certification, ensuring that the technology could be effectively deployed. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nuances of modern defense projects, where national pride in indigenous development coexists with the reality of international collaboration. The debate on X, while spirited, often misses this critical differentiation between development and integration.

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