In the Rs 60,000 crore project to build six advanced conventional submarines, government-owned Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) has gained an edge by clearing crucial trials in the program. The Indian Navy had conducted trials for building six advanced submarines equipped with sea-proven Air Independent Propulsion systems, which enable the submarines to remain underwater for at least two weeks without the need to resurface for battery recharging.
Mumbai-headquartered MDL and Larsen and Toubro are the two contenders for the project, with German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Spanish Navantia as their respective partners. MDL has been informed by a Commodore-rank officer of the Indian Navy (equivalent to a Brigadier in the Army) that they have met the trial requirements, according to defense sources.
Meanwhile, the Navy officer from the submarine acquisition directorate has communicated to Larsen and Toubro about deviations observed during their trials held in Cartagena, Spain, in June of this year, where they demonstrated their system at a submarine base, the sources said.
The submarine program is currently in the middle stages and must pass through various higher-level approvals within the Defence Ministry and the top levels of government for clearance. The government is also focusing on strengthening the underwater fleet and has approved multiple programs for this purpose.
The Indian Navy’s long-term submarine acquisition plan was revised post-2014 to include 18 conventional and 6 nuclear attack submarines. Project 75, which initially involved six Scorpène-class boats, has been extended to include three additional boats. Meanwhile, Project 75 India will see six conventional submarines being built in an Indian shipyard. The next-generation Project 76 aims to develop six conventional submarines with complete Indian design and construction and was included in the Defence Ministry’s 100-day agenda. This futuristic project will be undertaken by the DRDO and the Navy together.
The P-75 India project has been in development for the past few years, and due to its stringent requirements, many international firms were unable to participate as they did not possess the required capabilities.
