Source:Business standard

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Context

• While the procurement of new submarines under Project-75I continues, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a preliminary study for the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under Project-76.
• This will be a continuation of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, to build a conventional submarine

Details

Project-76

Introduction

• Project-76: Aims to develop advanced indigenous conventional diesel submarines.

Project Overview

Preliminary Study and Approval

• DRDO's Preliminary Study: Initiated for the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine.
• Approval: Defence Ministry approved, expected to take up to a year.
• Formal Case: To be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) after the study.

Indigenous Content and Collaboration

• 30-Year Submarine Building Program: Indian Navy’s long-term plan.
• Collaboration: Involves government-owned PSUs and private-sector players.
• Technology Development: Aims to cultivate state-of-the-art technologies.

Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Module

Development and Fitment

• AIP Module: Designed and developed by DRDO.
• Scorpene-Class Submarines: Awaiting fitment, starting with Kalvari in 2025.
• Fitment Duration: Expected to take 2-3 years, in collaboration with Naval Group

Features and Testing

• Force Multiplier: Enables conventional submarines to remain submerged longer, increasing endurance and reducing detection.
• Phosphoric Acid-Based: Utilizes fuel cells generating hydrogen.
• Power Output: Current output 13.5 kW, scaling up to 20 kW for future requirements like Project-76.

Benefits of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Conventional Submarines

• Increased Submerged Endurance: AIP allows submarines to stay underwater for extended periods without needing to surface or snorkel, enhancing their operational duration.
• Reduced Detection Risk: By reducing the need to surface, AIP-equipped submarines are less likely to be detected by enemy forces, increasing their stealth and survivability.
• Enhanced Stealth: AIP systems operate quietly, significantly reducing the acoustic signature of the submarine and making it harder for adversaries to detect.
• Extended Mission Duration: Submarines with AIP can carry out longer missions without the need to resurface frequently, providing strategic advantages and increasing mission effectiveness.
• Greater Tactical Flexibility: AIP-equipped submarines can undertake a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, with enhanced efficiency due to their prolonged underwater capabilities.
• Lower Operational Costs: Compared to nuclear submarines, AIP submarines have lower operational and maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective option for enhancing naval capabilities..

Sources:

TheHindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  Discuss the importance of submarines in modern naval warfare and analyze the initiatives taken by the Indian government to enhance its submarine capabilities.