Mumbai, March 20, 2025 – Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier public sector shipbuilding companies, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s defense manufacturing journey today with the commencement of a groundbreaking project. The company held a ceremonial plate-cutting event to kick off production of its first air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, a cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the stealth and endurance of India’s naval submarines. This development underscores MDL’s pivotal role in bolstering the country’s indigenous defense capabilities and aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
The plate-cutting ceremony, a traditional rite in shipbuilding that signals the start of construction, took place at MDL’s Mumbai facility. Senior officials from the company, alongside representatives from the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence, attended the event, highlighting its strategic importance. The AIP system, once integrated into submarines, will allow them to operate underwater for extended periods without surfacing, significantly improving their operational range and reducing detectability—a critical advantage in modern naval warfare.
MDL, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, is renowned for constructing warships and submarines, including the Scorpène-class submarines under Project-75 in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. The AIP project builds on this expertise, representing a leap forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in advanced naval technology. While details about the specific submarine class or timeline for integration remain limited, sources indicate this system could enhance future vessels or be retrofitted into existing ones, such as the Kalvari-class submarines.
The technology behind AIP involves a propulsion system that generates power without relying on external air, unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines that must surface or use a snorkel to recharge batteries. MDL’s adoption of this system places India among a select group of nations with such capabilities, including France, Germany, and Sweden. The project is also a testament to India’s growing collaboration with domestic and international partners to localize cutting-edge defense technologies.
Speaking at the ceremony, MDL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Sanjeev Singhal, emphasized the project’s significance: “This is a proud moment for Mazagon Dock and India’s defense sector. The AIP system will elevate our naval strength, ensuring our submarines remain at the forefront of stealth and endurance. It’s a step toward technological sovereignty.”
The Indian Navy, which aims to expand its submarine fleet to counter regional security challenges, has long prioritized AIP technology. With China and Pakistan enhancing their underwater capabilities, this development could shift the balance of naval power in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts see the project as a precursor to further innovations under India’s planned Project-75I, which seeks to build six AIP-equipped submarines domestically through a competitive bidding process involving MDL and other players like Larsen & Toubro.
Financially, MDL is riding a strong wave, with its stock gaining attention on the BSE amid robust order books exceeding ₹40,000 crore, including contracts for destroyers, frigates, and submarines. Today’s announcement further cements its position as a key driver of India’s defense-industrial complex.
The AIP project also carries economic implications, promising job creation and skill development in Mumbai and beyond as MDL ramps up production. Partnerships with Indian firms for components and systems are expected to deepen, fostering a broader ecosystem of defense manufacturing.
As of March 20, 2025, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders stands at a pivotal juncture, blending tradition with innovation. The successful execution of this AIP system could redefine India’s naval prowess, reinforcing its strategic autonomy on the global stage. Further updates on timelines and technical specifics are awaited as the project progresses.
