Indian Navy Begins Trials For Six Highly Advanced Indigenous Submarines, Here's How Germany And Spain Are Involved

The trials for building six highly advanced submarines in India have been undergoing since March after a team of Indian Navy visited Kiel in Germany as part of a Rs 60,000 crore tender.

The tender was issued to Indian shipyards Mazagaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) and Larsen and Toubro for a partnership with foreign vendors, under which the indigenous content will be more than 60 per cent.

At the German Navy facility, the Indian defence officials saw the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, a German submarine manufacturer that is a partner of the MDL.

These efforts are part of the Indian Navy's plan to modernise its conventional submarine fleet. The next phase of the trial would be held in Spain, ANI reported.

A Teaming Agreement (TA) was signed between Larsen and Toubro and Spanish firm Navantia. The two companies will showcase their AIP system at a Spanish Navy facility in June end.

The AIP system is important for keeping Indian Navy vessels underwater for longer periods. It will also enable the Indian Navy to have bigger vessels with more advanced capabilities.

A conventional submarine not equipped with an AIP has to snorkel frequently to recharge its batteries which power its propellers. It significantly increases the risk of detection.

Both Pakistan and China have AIP-equipped submarines. None of the conventional submarines India currently operates has AIP. The Kalvari-class boats will be equipped with an AIP during their refit programme.