New Delhi: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has officially commenced the production of the first Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines. The milestone Plate Cutting ceremony took place at MDL on March 18, 2025, in the presence of MDL's Director (Shipbuilding) with Additional Charge of Chairman and Managing Director Biju George along with representatives from the Indian Navy and senior officials of MDL.
With the initiation of this crucial phase, MDL has started the construction of the AIP Plug, which will subsequently be integrated into the submarines of the P75 Project during their scheduled normal refits. The AIP system is expected to significantly enhance the endurance and operational capabilities of the submarines, reinforcing India’s maritime defense preparedness.
In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had signed a contract worth Rs 1,990 crore with MDL for the construction of an AIP Plug and its integration into conventional submarines.
The AIP Plug, based on technology indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a major step forward in enhancing the operational endurance of conventional submarines. The project underscores India’s commitment to advancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
This development underscores MDL’s commitment to advancing indigenous shipbuilding and submarine construction capabilities, aligning with the Indian government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defense sector.
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