News Excerpt:
The Indian Navy's ambitious Project-75I,has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the Field Evaluation Trials (FET).
About Project 75 I:
- India's Project 75I is an ambitious initiative to build six advanced conventional submarines, with a budget of approximately Rs 43,000 crore double of the budget for Project 75 which came to just Rs 23,000 crore.
- This project is strategically significant as it aims to bolster India's underwater warfare capabilities amidst increasing maritime challenges from China and Pakistan.
- China's submarine fleet consists of more than 70 submarines, including seven nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), 12 nuclear attack submarines (SSN), and more than 50 diesel attack submarines.
- The fleet size is more than three times the size of the Indian Navy which operates less than 20 submarines.
- Recently the first Hangor class submarine, built by China for Pakistan, was launched which is the first of eight submarines of this class that the Pakistan Navy is set to induct into its fleet by 2028.
- The submarines will feature advanced stealth, endurance, and detection capabilities, making them a critical asset in countering China's expanding submarine fleet in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan's growing underwater assets.
- Enhancing India's maritime strength through Project 75I is crucial for maintaining regional security and safeguarding strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Features and Advancements of Project-75I
Project-75I, an enhancement of Project-75, introduces significant improvements in design and technology, particularly with the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
- Stealth Features
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- Similar to the submarines under Project-75, the submarines in Project-75I are equipped with advanced stealth capabilities.
- These include advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, long-range guided torpedoes, tube-launched anti-ship missiles, and sophisticated sonar and sensor suites.
- MSME Development
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- The project is expected to significantly enhance the core submarine building industry while also promoting the manufacturing sector, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- These enterprises will be involved in the production of associated spares, systems, and equipment related to submarines.
- Indigenous Content Requirement:
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- The Request For Proposal (RFP) specifies that the first submarine should have 45% indigenous content, increasing to 60% for the sixth and final submarine.
- A key requirement for Project-75I is the AIP system, which significantly enhances submarine endurance.
Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Details
- The AIP system enhances underwater endurance by using two key components, a fuel and an oxidant.
- These generate electricity through either a heat engine (such as a closed cycle diesel, Stirling engine, or closed cycle gas turbine) or an electrochemical cell (such as lead acid batteries or fuel cells).
Need of AIP System:
- Traditional diesel-electric submarines are vulnerable to detection while snorkelling.
- Diesel - Electric generator charges the batteries, necessitating the submarines to surface every 48 hours for recharging.
- Nuclear power was introduced as a solution, producing a 'true submarine,' but it is expensive.
- The AIP system offers a more cost-effective solution allowing submarines to remain submerged for up to two weeks, through the use of fuel cells.
- These cells can be recharged by the diesel engine, acting as an auxiliary energy source during underwater operations.
Indigenous AIP by DRDO:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a Fuel Cell-powered Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system through its Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL).
- An agreement between DRDO and the Naval Group (France) ensured the safe integration of this indigenous AIP system in Kalvari-class submarines.
Strategic Partnership and Technology Transfer
- Under the Strategic Partnership model of the defence acquisition procedure, the project involves the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India with technology transfer.
- TKMS has indicated that the lithium-ion cell in its AIP module will be upgraded by the time the first submarine is delivered, enhancing performance.
- Navantia's AIP system, which uses bioethanol as a source of hydrogen, is touted as the only third-generation AIP solution globally, known for its cost efficiency and availability.
Conclusion:
Project-75I represents a significant step forward in enhancing India's submarine capabilities, incorporating advanced technology and promoting indigenous development in the defence sector. The field testing is significant for the progress of the project and can help achieve the goal of indigenous technology advancement.
