DRDO's indigenous AIP system for Navy submarines reaches milestone with Setting to Work Phase-2 at L&T Hazira
On 24 October 2026, the 'Setting to Work Phase-2' activity of the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Energy Module, developed by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory, was inaugurated at L&T's Hazira complex in Gujarat; it is to be integrated on a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027.
Summary
DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) achieved a key milestone when the 'Setting to Work Phase (STW)-2' activity of its indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Energy Module was inaugurated on 24 October 2026 at Larsen & Toubro's AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh attended virtually as chief guest. An AIP system increases the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines by reducing their dependence on atmospheric oxygen. In the next phase the module will be energised and tested, then handed to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for integration on a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027.
Key facts
- System
- Indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Energy Module
- Developer
- Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), DRDO
- Milestone
- Setting to Work Phase-2, 24 October 2026
- Venue
- L&T AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex, Hazira (Gujarat)
- Benefit
- More underwater endurance; less dependence on atmospheric oxygen
- Next
- Integration by MDL on Kalvari-class submarine, early 2027
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which DRDO laboratory developed the indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Energy Module whose Setting to Work Phase-2 began in October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL)
Where was the Setting to Work Phase-2 activity of the indigenous AIP system inaugurated on 24 October 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Hazira, Gujarat
The indigenous AIP Energy Module is planned to be integrated in early 2027 on which class of Indian Navy submarine?
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Correct answer: B — Kalvari-class