Daily Current Affairs : 31-December-2024
Recently, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed significant contracts worth ₹2,867 crore aimed at boosting the capabilities of the Scorpene-class submarines. These contracts focus on integrating two crucial technologies: the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and electronic heavyweight torpedoes. Both advancements are set to enhance the performance and stealth capabilities of these advanced submarines, strengthening India’s maritime defence.
What is the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System?
The Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system is a revolutionary technology that allows submarines to stay submerged for extended periods without the need to surface or use a snorkel for oxygen. This is especially useful for conventional diesel-electric submarines, which typically rely on air to recharge their batteries. The key features of AIP include:
- How it Works: AIP systems use fuel cells or other technologies to generate electricity while underwater.
- Fuel Sources: These systems use liquid oxygen combined with fuels like diesel, methanol, or hydrogen.
- Power Generation: AIP can generate power either through electro-chemical cells (like fuel cells) or heat engines.
The inclusion of AIP in submarines greatly enhances their underwater endurance, meaning the submarine can stay submerged for longer without being detected. This technology also reduces the submarine’s vulnerability to detection, providing a strategic advantage during operations.
About Scorpene-Class Submarines
The Scorpene-class submarines are state-of-the-art diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, endurance, and precision. Built under Project-75 in collaboration with the French Naval Group, the first of these submarines, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in 2017.
Key Features of Scorpene-Class Submarines:
- Stealth and Endurance: These submarines are designed to operate with high stealth, making them difficult to detect.
- Advanced Technology: Scorpene-class submarines are equipped with modern sensor suites and weapon systems for superior combat capability.
- Modular Design: The submarines are designed to be modular, allowing for easy upgrades like the AIP system and advanced torpedoes.
- Current Fleet: India has six Scorpene-class submarines, including INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and the upcoming INS Vagsheer.
Strategic Importance
The integration of the AIP system and advanced torpedoes on Scorpene-class submarines marks a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities. These upgrades will not only increase the operational time and stealth of the submarines but also enhance their effectiveness in both defensive and offensive roles. With these advancements, India’s naval forces are poised to maintain a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring national security and maritime stability.
Important Points:
- Indian Ministry of Defence Contracts: ₹2,867 crore contracts signed to integrate Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and electronic heavyweight torpedoes on Scorpene-class submarines.
- What is AIP?:
- A technology that allows submarines to operate without surfacing or using a snorkel for oxygen.
- Uses fuel cells or other systems to generate electricity underwater.
- Powered by liquid oxygen combined with fuels like diesel, methanol, or hydrogen.
- Benefits of AIP:
- Enhanced Underwater Endurance: Submarines can stay submerged for longer durations.
- Reduced Vulnerability to Detection: Increases stealth during operations.
- Scorpene-Class Submarines:
- Advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, endurance, and precision.
- Built under Project-75 in collaboration with the French Naval Group.
- Six submarines in service: INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer (in trials).
- Key Features of Scorpene-Class Submarines:
- Equipped with modern sensors and weapon systems.
- Modular design allows easy upgrades like AIP and advanced torpedoes.
- Strategic Importance:
- Enhances India’s naval capabilities for both defensive and offensive operations.
- Strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region for maritime security.
Why In News
The Indian Ministry of Defence recently signed contracts worth ₹2,867 crore to integrate an indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module and electronic heavyweight torpedoes on Scorpene-class submarines, marking a significant step towards enhancing the operational capabilities and stealth of the Indian Navy’s underwater fleet.
MCQs about Upgrading Scorpene Submarines with AIP and Advanced Torpedoes
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What is the primary function of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in submarines?
A. To increase the speed of the submarine
B. To allow the submarine to stay submerged without surfacing for oxygen
C. To make the submarine more visible to radar
D. To reduce the weight of the submarine
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Which technology does the AIP system primarily use to generate electricity underwater?
A. Solar panels
B. Nuclear reactors
C. Fuel cells or heat engines
D. Wind turbines
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What is the main advantage of adding the AIP system to Scorpene-class submarines?
A. It decreases the weight of the submarine
B. It increases the submarine’s speed significantly
C. It enhances the submarine’s underwater endurance and stealth
D. It improves the navigation system of the submarine
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Which of the following is true about the Scorpene-class submarines?
A. They are powered by nuclear reactors
B. They were developed exclusively by India without foreign collaboration
C. They are advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth and endurance
D. They are equipped only with traditional torpedoes and no modern weapons
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