What is the chief advantage an Air Independent Propulsion system gives a diesel-electric submarine?
- A.It allows the submarine to carry ballistic missiles
- B.It increases underwater endurance by reducing dependence on atmospheric oxygen
- C.It replaces the submarine's torpedo tubes with vertical launchers
- D.It makes the submarine capable of flight-deck operations
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is that it increases underwater endurance by reducing dependence on atmospheric oxygen. A conventional diesel-electric boat has to come near the surface to run its diesel engines and recharge batteries, because those engines need air, and that is when it is most easily spotted. An AIP plant generates power without taking oxygen from the atmosphere, so the submarine can remain submerged for much longer. Option A is wrong because propulsion technology has nothing to do with the type of missile a boat carries. Option C is wrong because the AIP module is an energy system, not a weapon-launch arrangement. Option D is wrong because submarines do not operate flight decks, which belong to aircraft carriers. The Indian module, built by NMRL of the DRDO, uses hydrogen and fuel cell technology to achieve this endurance gain.
Read the full article: DRDO AIP Energy Module Begins Setting to Work Phase-2
Practice Questions
Which DRDO laboratory has indigenously developed the AIP Energy Module for the Indian Navy's submarines?
- A.Naval Materials Research Laboratory
- B.Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory
- C.Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory
- D.Research Centre Imarat
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The Setting to Work Phase-2 activity of this module was inaugurated on 24 October 2026 at the AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex of Larsen and Toubro at Hazira in Gujarat, and the system rests on hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
Read the full explanation →On which class of submarines will the indigenous AIP Energy Module be integrated, and by which shipyard?
- A.Shishumar class, by Garden Reach Shipbuilders
- B.Arihant class, by Hindustan Shipyard
- C.Kalvari class, by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
- D.Sindhughosh class, by Cochin Shipyard
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In the stage that follows the Setting to Work Phase-2 activity, the AIP Energy Module will be energised for power production and tested rigorously against the Indian Navy's protocols.
Read the full explanation →Where was the Setting to Work Phase-2 activity of the indigenous AIP Energy Module inaugurated?
- A.Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- B.Hazira, Gujarat
- C.Mumbai, Maharashtra
- D.Kochi, Kerala
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Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the DRDO, was the chief guest and took part virtually, while Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, and Dr R Balamuralikrishnan, Director General for Naval Systems and Materials…
Read the full explanation →Which operation did the Raksha Mantri cite as proof of innovative thinking, synergy and superior coordination by the forces?
- A.Operation Sindoor
- B.Operation Vijay
- C.Operation Ganga
- D.Operation Brahma
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Addressing the Commanders, the Raksha Mantri said innovative thinking, enhanced synergy and superior coordination, complemented by advanced weaponry, had contributed to its success, and that the operation carried a clear message that India would not hesitate to take the measures needed to safeguard its national interests.
Read the full explanation →What figure for India's defence production in the financial year 2025-26 was cited at the Army Commanders' Conference?
- A.Rs 1.27 lakh crore
- B.Rs 1.78 lakh crore
- C.Rs 2.34 lakh crore
- D.Rs 95,000 crore
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The Raksha Mantri said defence production had surged to that record level in the financial year 2025-26, and that defence exports in the same period had reached an all-time high of about Rs 38,000 crore, both of which he attributed to the priority given to self-reliance in defence.
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