L&T, DRDO sign act to build two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)

Current Context: DRDO and L&T have signed a contract for the realisation of two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system modules for Kalvari class submarines of the Indian Navy. An AIP system extends the endurance of conventional submarines and is a niche technology with just a few countries.

• The AIP system is indigenously developed by Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) of DRDO with L&T as prime industry partner.
• The AIP system is based on fuel cells that produce power along with on-board hydrogen generation.
• The technology is also green as the by-product of the reaction is non-polluted water. The AIP modules will be retrofitted into the submarines during their first refit in the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Question:

Q.1 Which of these organisations have signed a contract for the realisation of two AIP system modules for Kalvari class submarines of the Indian Navy?
a. HAL and BEL
b. DRDO and L&T
c. ISRO and BARC
d. NAL and ADA