In a significant move, the Indian Navy has authorized Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) to construct six submarines with a projected cost of up to Rs 60,000 crore. This decision follows the successful completion of trials for submarines under Project 75 India, as confirmed by defense sources.
The contract is pivotal for India’s strategy to enhance its naval capabilities amid growing influence from China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region.
MDL, in collaboration with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp, was selected over competitors Larsen & Toubro and Navantia. This choice aligns with the Indian government’s goal to bolster public sector units, creating jobs and advancing technology.
The project will focus on acquiring six advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, which enable longer underwater endurance compared to previous models lacking AIP technology.
Project 75 India aims to develop diesel-electric attack submarines featuring AIP, which will be larger and more sophisticated than current models.
Additionally, India’s nuclear submarine program continues to progress with the imminent commissioning of its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat. Currently in the final stages of trials and upgrades, INS Arighat is expected to be officially commissioned within the next two months.