21 hrs ago
India Weighs More Scorpenes as Six-Submarine Deal Nears Approval
India is considering building six new submarines in the country with help from a German company.
The plan, called Project-75(I), is worth more than ₹80,000 crore and is waiting for a final government decision.
India is also considering three more Scorpene submarines, but that plan is not as far along.
The Navy wants to add a home-developed system to one Scorpene during a repair period around the middle of next year.
This system could help the submarine stay underwater longer without coming to the surface.
Another Indian-made system for submarine combat is also planned for installation during future refits.
These efforts combine new submarines with upgrades to boats already in service.
India is monitoring Pakistan’s plans to induct Hangor-class submarines, built with Chinese assistance.
Project-75(I), estimated at more than ₹80,000 crore, would build six advanced conventional submarines in India with German firm TKMS.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said Project-75(I) is at the final stage and awaits a decision by the competent authority.
India is also considering three additional Scorpene submarines for construction at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai; the proposal is less advanced.
The Navy plans to test a DRDO-developed indigenous AIP system on a Scorpene-class submarine during a refit around the middle of next year.
NPOL has developed an indigenous integrated submarine combat system that the Navy plans to introduce progressively during refits.
- Who
- The Indian Navy and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh; the plans involve Mazagon Dock Limited and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
- What
- India is nearing a decision on six Project-75(I) submarines and is considering three additional Scorpenes, alongside upgrades to its existing fleet.
- Where
- The new submarines are planned to be built in India; the additional Scorpenes are proposed for Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
- When
- Singh discussed the proposals on October 1, 2026; an AIP installation is planned during a refit around the middle of next year.
- Why
- To expand and upgrade India’s conventional submarine capabilities as regional underwater fleets modernise.
Key facts
- Project-75(I)
- Six advanced conventional submarines planned for domestic construction
- Estimated investment
- More than ₹80,000 crore
- Project status
- At the final stage, pending a decision by the competent authority
- Proposed additional Scorpenes
- Three; under consideration and less advanced than Project-75(I)
- Project-75(I) partners
- Mazagon Dock Limited and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, with substantial Indian private-sector participation expected
- Planned AIP upgrade
- A DRDO-developed indigenous system is planned for installation on a Scorpene during a refit around the middle of next year
- Indigenous combat system
- NPOL-developed system planned for phased installation during submarine refits
Quotes
Rajesh Kumar Singh
India’s Defence Secretary
“We are trying to put our indigenous, DRDO-developed AIP system into one of our submarines when it comes in for a refit towards the middle of next year. We have multiple lines of effort going on to strengthen our underwater capabilities. Submarines will be entirely built in India, no doubt about it.”
financialexpress.com
“Both Project-75(I) and additional Scorpene submarines are being considered. Project-75(I) is at the final stage. It has been submitted and is pending a final decision by the competent authority.”
financialexpress.com
businesstoday.in
Sources
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