Naval Group, a renowned French naval defense and marine renewable energy company, has recently presented India with an enticing offer to bolster the capabilities of its Kalvari-class submarines. The proposal centers around equipping these submarines with the cutting-edge F21 Heavyweight Torpedo, which has already proven its effectiveness aboard the Brazilian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines.
The F21 Torpedo boasts impressive features and versatile applications, holding the potential to revolutionize India's submarine warfare capabilities. France has also expressed keen interest in establishing a local assembly line for the torpedo, provided India procures them in significant quantities.
This state-of-the-art F21 Heavyweight Torpedo is the latest innovation from Naval Group, designed to operate effectively in both deep waters and near coastal areas, where challenges like noise and dense shipping can hinder performance. Currently deployed on the Brazilian Navy's Scorpene-class submarines, this torpedo has exhibited outstanding reliability and performance in demanding maritime environments.
The torpedo's propulsion system relies on a silver oxide-aluminium (AgO-Al) seawater primary battery, ensuring efficient and sustained power during operations. Additionally, its electric propulsion system incorporates two contra-rotating propellers, allowing it to move swiftly through the water.
With a B2211D warhead weighing up to 250kg, the F21 Torpedo boasts an impressive payload, enhancing its capability to effectively engage and neutralize various targets. Its dimensions, with an overall length of 1.02m and a diameter of 533.4mm, strike an optimal balance between compactness and lethality.
One of the standout features of the F21 Torpedo lies in its sophisticated discrimination, identification, acoustic counter-counter-measures (ACCM), and homing capabilities. These cutting-edge technologies ensure unparalleled performance throughout all operational phases, including searching, tracking, and attacking targets. The torpedo's ability to discern between friend and foe and adapt to complex underwater conditions provides a significant tactical advantage.
The F21's homing system incorporates advanced target-tracking algorithms, enabling it to pursue evasive targets with utmost precision. This homing capability, combined with the torpedo's formidable warhead, ensures the successful neutralization of high-value enemy assets.