Germany and Spain Compete for Indian Navy Submarine Deal with Advanced AIP Technology

 

The Indian Navy's pursuit of fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)-equipped conventional submarines is moving forward, albeit slowly. Currently, the Navy is evaluating two submarines for its advanced diesel-electric submarine needs, but only one has proven and validated technology. The Indian Navy is conducting field evaluation trials of the AIP technology developed by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia at Cartagena.

This technology has yet to be integrated into the S80 submarine offered to the Indian Navy, although a submarine of this class has already been inducted into the Spanish Navy without AIP technology. Navantia claims that its submarine design meets 'almost' all technical requirements of the P-75I without needing redesign.

Navantia's AIP system for the S80 produces over 300 kW of power, which can be directly applied to P75(I) without scaling up, thus reducing major risks for the Indian Navy. Factory testing of the AIP technology has been completed, simulating actual submarine mission conditions at the Cartagena Shipyard.

Navantia states that the S80 offered to the Indian Navy incorporates the latest technologies, such as Generation BEST AIP (Bio-ethanol Stealth Technology) and an advanced sensor suite. This third-generation AIP system uses hydrogen produced on board from bioethanol instead of stored hydrogen, allowing submarines to sail for up to three weeks submerged with minimal detectable signatures.

The Indian Navy also requires AIP technology combined with Lithium-ion batteries, enabling submarines to operate at high speeds without compromising their position. Navantia and its Indian partner, Larsen and Toubro (L&T), are not collaborating with another partner for proven Lithium-ion battery technology for this project.

Navantia's first submarine equipped with AIP BEST technology is expected to be operational by 2026. However, experts estimate that the AIP system will be ready for operational deployment in about three years, pending further laboratory tests and simulations.

Another submarine under consideration by India is already proven and used by several frontline navies. Recently, a submarine from this class completed a rare voyage under the Arctic ice. This submarine, the Arpão (S161), built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany, is based on the export-optimized Type 214 design.

ThyssenKrupp has offered India its 214-class submarines, which combine advanced technologies from the 212 CD submarines with the latest AIP developments. These submarines, tailored to the Indian Navy's requirements, will feature Lithium-ion batteries, advanced sensor and combat systems, and enhanced stealth capabilities.

The 212 and 214-class submarines' AIP technology, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, allows for extended submerged operations and silent running, enhancing stealth. These submarines can operate silently, launch torpedoes stealthily, and have countermeasures against torpedoes, providing increased operational flexibility.

The Indian Navy is currently strengthening its undersea fleet, as evidenced by a recent exercise in the Arabian Sea involving eight submarines. Despite challenges such as dwindling fleet numbers and aging submarines, the Navy is pushing forward with plans to build six more conventional diesel submarines under Project-75 I.

However, the Chinese Navy's rapid expansion poses a significant challenge. China has been continuously deploying at least one nuclear-armed submarine at sea and is providing advanced submarine technology to Pakistan. In response, the Indian Navy is enhancing its capabilities to maintain strategic balance in the region.

The Indian Navy's adoption of AIP technology will enhance its fleet's capabilities, putting it in a better position against regional threats. While the Navy considers whether to proceed with proven technology or wait for the deployment of Navantia's AIP BEST technology on an operational submarine, the decision will significantly impact India's undersea defense strategy.

Pakistan's Potential Nuclear Submarine Program Challenges Indian Naval Strategy

 Pakistan is considering enhancing its naval capabilities by equipping its under-construction Chinese submarines with nuclear-tipped missiles, potentially altering the strategic balance for the Indian Navy.

Delays due to fiscal constraints had postponed the acquisition of S-26 Hangor class submarines from China. Initially expected by the end of 2023, the first of these Yuan-class submarines was launched in May 2024.

Once eight of these submarines, equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), join the Pakistan Navy, they will significantly boost the country’s offensive sea denial strategy, which emphasizes the use of submarines and missile-carrying maritime patrol aircraft. Expected to be operational by the late 2020s and early 2030s, the addition will increase the number of AIP-equipped submarines in the Pakistan Navy to 11.

Recent reports suggest that the Hangor class may not be a purely conventional attack submarine. Retired Pakistani naval officers have discussed on state television that Islamabad is aiming for an “assured” second-strike capability.

According to a Quwa report, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed and Rear Admiral Saleem Akhtar, both retired officials, talked about acquiring Hangor-class submarines from China. Saeed suggested these submarines would be a "hybrid," balancing conventional attack capabilities with nuclear potential.

While retrofitting the Hangor class with nuclear reactors is unlikely, Pakistan could deploy Tactical Nuclear Warheads (TNWs) on these submarines. Building nuclear-powered submarines is costly and complex, as noted by retired Commodore Anil Jai Singh, making it improbable even with Chinese assistance.

Pakistan has been developing TNWs since its first nuclear test in 1998. These smaller, portable weapons are designed for battlefield use rather than as strategic deterrents. The Hangor-class submarines will likely use a variant of the Babur-3 Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), first tested in 2018 with a range of 450 km. The Babur-3 is a critical component of Pakistan’s “credible second-strike capability,” according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Vice Admiral Saeed emphasized that while the Hangor class is not a dedicated nuclear platform, the Pakistan Navy seeks to fire nuclear weapons from the sea, potentially requiring just one or two dedicated submarines. However, the Hangor class would primarily manage conventional roles and only strategic duties part-time.

Commodore Singh expressed doubts about the effectiveness of a single nuclear-armed submarine in the Pakistan Navy. He suggested that China might lease one to Pakistan in the future, but this remains uncertain.

Indian Navy's Concerns

While Pakistan cannot independently design and develop a nuclear-powered submarine, it may be exploring the possibility as part of a long-term strategy. China's support in arming Pakistan with such a submarine would challenge the Indian Navy’s dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has already been supplying submarines to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar, creating a competitive underwater environment in the IOR.

Retired Captain Anurag Bisen highlighted that a Pakistani submarine armed with TNWs would constrain the Indian Navy's deployment of its aircraft carriers until the submarine is accounted for.

India has been adopting a flexible deterrence approach against China and Pakistan. In March, New Delhi successfully tested the long-range ballistic missile Agni-V, featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enhancing the survivability of its nuclear missiles.

Despite the potential threat from TNWs, Commodore Singh remains optimistic, questioning whether Pakistan has considered India's likely retaliation, as stated in its nuclear doctrine. Using TNWs is complicated and risky, making their actual deployment a significant gamble for Pakistan.

Project-75I: German Shipbuilder to Provide Stealthy AIP Submarines with Lithium-Ion Batteries to Indian Navy

 

The Indian Navy is pursuing the acquisition of six submarines under its Project-75I, which aims to integrate Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology with Lithium-ion batteries. This combination will enable the submarines to remain submerged for extended periods and move swiftly without compromising their stealth.

The focus of the Indian Navy is not on having the largest or fastest submarines but rather on achieving superior stealth and lethality. German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp, a leading contender for the contract, has proposed its 214-class submarines, which incorporate advanced AIP technology and are tailored to Indian requirements. These submarines will be an enhanced version of the 214 class, featuring advanced sensors, combat systems, and Lithium-ion batteries, all while maintaining stealth capabilities.

Dr. Christian Frühling, Program Head for Project-75I at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tkMS), emphasized that their unique AIP solution and proven submarine design would be game-changing for the Indian Navy. The AIP system provides long-range endurance at low speeds, while the Lithium-ion battery enables high-speed cruising, allowing the submarines to cover extensive areas like the Bay of Bengal while remaining submerged.

The hydrogen-powered AIP technology allows the submarines to stay submerged for up to three weeks, significantly reducing the need to surface and enhancing stealth. The 212 and 214 class submarines operate silently, launching torpedoes stealthily and featuring countermeasures against enemy torpedoes. These submarines can also "bottom" on the ocean floor, conserving energy and extending mission duration while using passive sonar to detect targets.

Efficient energy systems are crucial for the Indian Navy, which currently has only 16 conventional submarines against a requirement for 24. Most of these submarines are over 30 years old, making Project-75I a high priority.

AIP-based submarines are more cost-effective and easier to maintain than nuclear-powered ones. They have modular fuel cell systems and smaller crews. The German government, which initially hesitated when the tender was issued three years ago, now supports the project. In March 2024, the German Navy provided its submarine for the Indian Navy's evaluation.

TkMS, confident in its technology, remains the only company with sea-proven fuel-cell-based AIP systems. The 214-class submarines are already in service with Greece, Portugal, Turkey, and South Korea. The Indian Navy, which operates 209-class submarines, has partnered with Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) for repairs and refurbishments. TkMS and MDL jointly produced four submarines for the Indian Navy and are now bidding together for Project-75I.

In Project-75I, the submarines will be built in India from the first unit onward, with TkMS providing design and critical components. MDL will lead the project, with the first submarine expected to be completed seven years from the contract date, followed by one submarine annually.

The field evaluations for Project-75I are set to conclude by June. Spain's Navantia is also competing for the contract but lacks operational AIP technology. Given India's urgent need for advanced submarines to counter China's growing maritime presence, a government-to-government contract to build these submarines in India is a possibility.

Norwegian Navy's Type 212CD AIP Submarines to Revolutionize Underwater Capabilities

 

Norway's new Type 212CD diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) will introduce air-independent propulsion (AIP) to the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN), significantly enhancing its underwater capabilities. This advancement is expected to be a game-changer, as stated by the commanding officer (CO) of one of Norway's current in-service boats.

Currently, the RNoN operates six Type 210 Ula-class SSKs, which are set to be replaced by up to six Type 212CD submarines, with the first delivery slated for 2029 and subsequent deliveries extending into the mid-2030s. These new submarines are being developed through a strategic collaboration with Germany, initiated in 2017, marking the beginning of a broader defense partnership formalized in 2023.

Originally, the RNoN planned to replace the Ula-class boats with four Type 212CDs. However, rising regional security concerns and underwater challenges led Norway’s Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, to advocate for six new submarines. In April 2024, the Norwegian government proposed to parliament the acquisition of at least five new submarines as part of a long-term defense strategy extending to 2036.

The Type 212CD submarines will bring crucial new capabilities to the RNoN, particularly through AIP technology. The CO of the Ula-class boat HNoMS Utvaer emphasized that AIP is a significant game-changer. Unlike the current Ulas, the Type 212CD’s fuel-cell AIP will reduce the need for ‘snorting’ at periscope depth, a noisy and visible process that increases vulnerability to various threats.

This capability is demonstrated by the Royal Swedish Navy’s Gotland-class SSKs, which utilize a Stirling fuel-cell AIP system, allowing them to remain submerged without snorting for several weeks. The introduction of AIP aligns with the RNoN's focus on enhancing stealth and operational capability in its challenging regional waters.

In addition to AIP, the Type 212CDs will allow the RNoN to explore new capabilities such as strike capabilities with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The Ula-class boats, although not equipped with strike capabilities, remain formidable with up to 14 weapons and advanced torpedoes like the Atlas Elektronik DM2A3 Sea Hake.

Despite their age, the Ula-class submarines maintain high operational effectiveness through regular upgrades and maintenance. This includes new sonars, command and information control consoles, and advanced navigation equipment. The CO of Utvaer praised the robust maintenance process, which ensures high material readiness and prolongs the operational life of the submarines.

The continuous upgrade and maintenance efforts reflect the RNoN's commitment to maintaining a capable and ready submarine fleet, even as they age. This dedication ensures that the Ula-class boats remain potent platforms until the new Type 212CD submarines are fully integrated into the fleet.

Hanwha Ocean Partners with Canadian Firms for Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

 

Hanwha Ocean has formed partnerships with three Canadian companies as the South Korean shipbuilder aims to strengthen its position in the upcoming Canadian Patrol Submarine Project competition. Vice Chairman Kwon Hyuk-woong is leading Hanwha Ocean’s efforts to secure a contract for Canada’s submarine initiative.

Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Aerospace were the sole Korean representatives at CANSEC, Canada's premier defense exhibition. To bolster their submarine business, Hanwha Ocean signed agreements with CAE Inc., Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies, and GASTOPS. The signing ceremony included key representatives from each company, alongside Yong Ook Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship Business Unit.

Previously, Hanwha Ocean had established relationships with several companies, including CAE Inc., during the ‘Deep Blue Forum 2023,’ a specialized submarine forum. At CANSEC, Hanwha Ocean further solidified its partnership with CAE Inc. by signing a Teaming Agreement, an advanced form of collaboration beyond a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Additionally, MOUs were signed with Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies for towed array sonar systems and with GASTOPS for propulsion system control, modeling, and simulation. The involved companies committed to merging their technological expertise and experience, aiming to enhance cooperation in Canada's submarine sector through technology exchange, joint research and development, and market expansion.

The Canadian government is currently working on a new submarine acquisition project to replace its four Victoria-class submarines to improve its maritime capabilities.

Hanwha Ocean, a prominent name in South Korea, is globally acclaimed for its advanced submarine technology. It stands as the fifth country to export submarines and the eighth to develop 3,000-ton class submarines independently. The Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) submarine, featuring an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system combined with lithium-ion batteries, is renowned for its powerful armament and prolonged underwater endurance among diesel-powered submarines. Hanwha Ocean aims to lead Canada’s patrol submarine project by participating in the design, construction, and logistics support through its advanced technology and collaboration with Canadian companies.

Yong Ook Lee commented, “The Teaming Agreement and MOUs are pivotal in expanding Hanwha Ocean’s technological capabilities and partnerships with Canadian companies in the submarine industry. We are committed to developing optimal solutions with local Canadian companies, enhancing the Korean defense industry through increased maritime defense exports.”

Meanwhile, CANSEC, Canada’s largest defense exhibition, is held annually in Ottawa. This year, Hanwha Ocean, along with Hanwha Aerospace, participated as a Diamond Sponsor, showcasing a range of maritime and land solutions, including the Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) submarine and the K-9 SPH, highlighting their integrated defense capabilities.