Kalvari-Class Submarines Miss DRDO AIP Upgrade Due to Delays
Why in the news
The plan to give the navy’s Kalvari-class conventional submarines longer submerged endurance hit another setback, since the home-grown AIP system from DRDO has not become operational.
Key facts
- Submarine class involved: Kalvari-class, also called Scorpene, which are conventional boats.
- Technology: the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system being built by DRDO.
- Purpose: boost underwater endurance and stealth.
- Status: the system is not yet working, so the retrofit has been delayed.
Significance
- AIP is described as a key strategic capability for these submarines.
- Until the DRDO system works, the retrofit cannot go ahead.
Exam angle
- Full form: AIP = Air Independent Propulsion.
- Developer of the indigenous AIP system: DRDO.
- Submarine type to be retrofitted: Kalvari-class (Scorpene) conventional submarines.