India signs defence deal pair with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Naval Group

India's defence ministry said on Monday it had signed a 19.9 billion rupee ($233 million) contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for technology that allows submarines to stay underwater for longer.

The air independent propulsion (AIP) system was developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the units will be built by Mazagon Dock.

"The AIP technology is being indigenously developed by DRDO," said a ministry spokesman. "The project pertaining to construction of AIP-Plug and its integration will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines and significantly contribute towards the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative."

The ministry also signed an 8.7 billion rupees ($102 million) contract with France's Naval Group for integration of torpedoes on Indian navy submarines to increase their firepower.

The "electronic heavy weight torpedoes" (EHWT) will be installed onboard the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines.

"It would greatly augment the firepower capabilities of Kalvari-class submarines of the Indian Navy," the spokesman noted.

(Reporting by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh)