Over to navy now, Germany & Spain complete AIP sub trials

A high stakes contest to supply next generation conventional submarines to the Indian Navy has entered a critical phase, with both contenders, from Germany and Spain, completing the field evaluation trials that required the demonstration of a propulsion system that gives the boats the ability to stay underwater for up to two weeks.

The first round of trials were carried out in Germany, with original equipment manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) successfully showcasing an operational air independent propulsion (AIP) system on a submarine to the Indian Navy team.

The technical parameters set for the trials were met and the German boat demonstrated its stealth capabilities as required, said company officials involved in the process. “TKMS clearly demonstrated a fully functioning AIP system on board a German 212 class submarine at sea,” Khalil Rehman, CEO, TKMS India said.

One issue that is however being raised is that the fuel cells on the AIP that was demonstrated were not the ones that are on offer for the Indian requirement. The company says it is changing the supplier of the fuel cells and an upgraded one would be offered. TKMS is the technical partner of Mazagon Dockyards Limited, the prime contractor in the fray for the estimated ₹43,000-crore procurement.

The second round of trials were held last month in Spain, where Navantia demonstrated its AIP technology, which uses a different methodology from Germany. During the trials, the Spanish side showcased the components hat can be fitted onboard the submarine, as well as an operational AIP that has not yet been integrated onto the boat, the people said.

Navantia, which is partnering with Larsen & Toubro for the contest, does not have a submarine with an operational AIP at the moment and is in the process of integrating it into a future boat. However, the Spanish side charged the batteries of an operational submarine with its land-based AIP system and then undertook dives for the test process.The ball is now in the Indian Navy’s court as it prepares its field evaluation trials reports.