The Indian Navy’s stealthy Scorpene submarines are set to enhance their underwater endurance with the impending development of an indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system by DRDO, expected to be completed by December 2025. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat confirmed that the fuel cell-based AIP will allow 15-21 days of submerged operations, bolstering India’s conventional submarine capabilities against regional adversaries. While the first submarine, INS Kalvari, may not receive the upgrade during its upcoming refit, the second submarine, INS Khanderi, is projected to integrate the AIP technology by mid-2026. This advancement signifies India’s commitment to enhancing its naval prowess and reducing foreign dependencies, crucial for maintaining strategic stability in the region.