Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out the final test of the land-based prototype of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in Mumbai on March 8.

This AIP system, which is way more efficient than a conventional nuclear-powered submarine will be retrofitted into Kalvari class submarines, the third of which (INS Karanj) will be commissioned on Wednesday, March 10.

According to integral inputs provided by a Hindustan Times report state that analysts are of the opinion that Monday’s test should be seen as part of the Navy’s overall capability (constructing plans, ranging from the ongoing plan to build six nuclear-powered attack submarines or SSNs).

In context, the analysts reportedly added, the plans should also be seen as a 'concerted bid' by the Indian Navy to counter the rise of China’s naval aggression.

Presently, in terms of submarines, India has only one Akula class SSN on lease from Russia; one more is expected to come on lease before 2025.

The project is back on track and has been thoroughly deliberated upon at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat to the commissioning of its second aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, later this year.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Madanjit Singh, former Western Naval Command Chief, said that New Delhi should be weary of the situation at hand as this is the war theatre of future. “The Modi government must expand to blue water navy status if PLAN’s expansion is to be checked, " he said.

In addition, the Indian Navy's full deployment in Indian Ocean and real time intelligence from the QUAD allies and France, the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) warships are only deployed around the Gulf of Aden as of now with no presence anywhere else in the Indian Ocean.

Image courtesy: Economic Times