31st December 2024 (10 Topics)

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India's Defence Ministry Signs Contracts for Scorpene Submarines

Context

India's Ministry of Defence signed two significant defence contracts totaling Rs 2,867 crore to enhance its Scorpene-class submarines. These contracts are part of India's push for greater self-reliance in defence under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Key Contracts:

Deal with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (Rs 1,990 crore): This deal focuses on the construction and integration of an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Scorpene-class submarines.
- AIP technology allows submarines to stay submerged for longer durations without needing to surface for air, significantly increasing their endurance.
- This system is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be integrated into the submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai.
- The project will also contribute to employment generation, with an estimated 3 lakh man-days.
- This contract aligns with India's goal of boosting indigenous defence capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
Deal with France’s Naval Group (Rs 877 crore): This contract pertains to the integration of Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT), also known as F21 Torpedoes, into the Kalvari-class submarines.
- The EHWT features advanced technology, including aluminum silver oxide technology, which enhances its range and speed, making it a much more lethal weapon.
- The torpedo is designed to be safe, ensuring that it will never explode onboard a submarine, even in case of a fire or accidental drop.
- This collaboration involves the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the Naval Group, France, and will significantly enhance the firepower capabilities of the Kalvari-class submarines.

Fact Box:

AIP (Air Independent Propulsion)

AIP is a technology used in conventional (non-nuclear) submarines to enable them to stay submerged for longer periods without needing to surface or use their snorkels for air.
Traditionally, conventional submarines use diesel engines that require access to atmospheric oxygen, which means they have to periodically come to the surface or use a snorkel (a pipe that reaches the surface while the submarine is submerged) to draw in air for the engines.
With AIP technology, the submarine can generate power and remain submerged for much longer durations—sometimes even for weeks—without needing to surface.
This is because AIP systems allow submarines to operate without the need for atmospheric oxygen, using alternative energy sources like fuel cells, stirling engines, or liquid oxygen systems.
In simpler terms, AIP acts as a force multiplier for conventional submarines, giving them increased endurance and stealth by reducing the need to surface, making them harder to detect by enemy forces. This makes them more effective for surveillance, patrolling, and defense missions.

Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT)

EHWT refers to a type of advanced torpedo that is designed to be used by heavyweight submarines like the Scorpene-class.
These torpedoes are a critical part of the submarine’s offensive weaponry and are used to target other naval vessels or submarines.
The specific torpedo mentioned in the contract, the F21 Heavy Weight Torpedo, is developed by Naval Group (France) and is described as highly advanced in terms of technology and performance. Some key features of the EHWT (F21) include:
- Increased Range and Speed: The torpedo uses aluminum silver oxide technology, which helps it travel faster and farther, making it a more lethal weapon compared to older torpedo designs.
- Safety Features: A key safety feature of the EHWT is that it is designed to never explode onboard the submarine, even if there is a fire or if it is dropped or fired accidentally. This is an important safety feature, as torpedoes are explosive weapons.
- Enhanced Accuracy and Lethality: The torpedo is designed to be more accurate and lethal, giving submarines a significant edge in naval combat.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

31st December 2024 (10 Topics)

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India's Defence Ministry Signs Contracts for Scorpene Submarines

Key Contracts:

Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT)

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

India's Defence Ministry Signs Contracts for Scorpene Submarines

Key Contracts:

Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedoes (EHWT)

Still Have Questions?

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