Defence Min signs Rs 2,867 crore contracts with Mazagon Dock, Naval Group to boost submarine tech

In a significant step towards strengthening India's naval defence, the Ministry of Defence signed two major contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore on Monday with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Naval Group, France. These agreements are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy's submarines, particularly the Kalvari-Class, through advanced technologies like Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) systems.

The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

AIP Plug construction and integration

The first contract, valued at around Rs 1,990 crore, was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, for the construction of an AIP Plug and its integration with the DRDO-developed AIP system onboard Indian submarines. This technology, which is being indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is expected to enhance the endurance of India's conventional submarines.


The integration of AIP systems allows submarines to stay submerged for longer durations without the need for surfacing, thus improving stealth and operational capabilities, noted the Defence Ministry press release.

The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities, generating nearly three lakh man-days. It also aligns with India’s broader ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign defence technologies and promote indigenous defence production.

EHWT integration for Kalvari-Class Submarines

The second contract, worth approximately Rs 877 crore, was signed with Naval Group, France, for the integration of the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onto India’s Kalvari-Class submarines. The EHWT is being developed by DRDO and, once integrated, will significantly enhance the firepower and tactical capabilities of the Kalvari-Class, which forms a crucial part of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.

According to the press release, the integration process will be a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, leveraging expertise from all parties involved. The addition of the EHWT is expected to elevate the Kalvari-Class submarines’ offensive and defensive potential, strengthening India’s maritime security.