Currently, an Indian Navy team is in Germany to carry out a field inspection of the Air Independent Propulsion System (AIP), which is being offered by the country for India's upcoming submarine programme — Project 75 (India) or P75I.

Sources within the defence and security establishment confirmed that the team arrived in Germany last week and is currently assessing the AIP system. This system enables a vessel to prolong its duration underwater.

They will examine the efficiency claims made by the German submarine maker ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which is leading the race to secure the substantial contract.

Sources further indicated that following the conclusion of this visit, the team will proceed to Spain to assess the AIP system offered by Navantia, the Spanish submarine manufacturer and the alternative foreign contender for the Navy contract.

The Navy has emphasised the requirement for a proven AIP system for the next generation of submarines, which is to be constructed under P75I, a plan formulated 24 years ago in 2000.

Although the French have constructed six Scorpene class submarines for India, they lack a demonstrated AIP system.

According to the plan, the Scorpene submarine will incorporate the indigenous AIP system currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

However, this indigenous development has experienced delays. Initially, the last two Scorpene-class submarines were intended to be equipped with indigenous AIP technology during the construction phase itself. However, due to the delay, adjustments need to be made to ensure AIP installation takes place during the refit stage.

However, uncertainty remains as the first of the Scorpene class submarines, INS Kalvari, commissioned in 2017, is due for refit in the middle of this year, yet the AIP system is still not fully operational.

A source emphasised the significance of a proven AIP for the Navy, stating that any further delay in the programme is unacceptable. Whether due to the slow development of indigenous systems or unproven claims by foreign companies, the Indian submarine programme cannot serve as a testing ground, the source asserted.

Due to delays in the P75I programme, the Navy has opted for a stopgap solution by choosing to acquire three additional Scorpene submarines, which were advocated by the French.

However, the formal cost negotiation process has not commenced despite the programme being approved last year.

Image source: The Print