Germany and Spain complete AIP submarine trials for Indian Navy.

According to information published by The Economic Times on July 11, 2024, in recent developments within naval defense, Germany and Spain have successfully completed their Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system trials for the Indian Navy's ₹43,000-crore submarine acquisition project. This high-stakes competition aims to equip the Indian Navy with next-generation conventional submarines capable of extended underwater endurance.
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Spanish S-80 plus-class submarine Isaac Peral. (Picture source: Navantia)

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) from Germany and Navantia from Spain have demonstrated their AIP technologies, each bringing unique advancements to the table. The initial round of trials, conducted in Germany, featured TKMS showcasing their operational AIP system aboard a German 212-class submarine.

According to Khalil Rehman, CEO of TKMS India, the trials met all technical parameters and highlighted the submarine's stealth capabilities. However, it was noted that the fuel cells used during the demonstration are not the same as those proposed for the Indian project, with plans for an upgraded version to be offered.

Following the German trials, the focus shifted to Spain, where Navantia conducted the second round of evaluations. Unlike TKMS, Navantia does not yet have an operational submarine equipped with their AIP system. Instead, they showcased components intended for future integration and conducted battery-charging trials using a land-based AIP setup. These trials involved charging the batteries of an operational submarine, followed by a series of test dives.

Both TKMS and Navantia have established local partnerships for this project, with TKMS collaborating with Mazagon Dockyards Limited and Navantia teaming up with Larsen & Toubro. The Indian Navy is now in the process of evaluating the results from these trials to determine the next steps in this crucial procurement process.