New Delhi: The Central government has granted clearance to the Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to initiate negotiations for a major Rs 70,000 crore submarine deal under Project 75 India. The project aims to build six advanced submarines in India with technological support from Germany.
The green light comes after a delay of over six months. The Defence Ministry had shortlisted MDL earlier this year to construct the submarines in partnership with German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which will provide the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This AIP capability will enable the submarines to remain submerged for up to three weeks without surfacing, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s stealth and endurance.
Defence officials told that the Centre’s decision followed a high-level strategic meeting involving senior defence and national security officials. The negotiations between MDL and the German side are expected to begin by the end of this month, with the Defence Ministry aiming to finalise the contract within six months.
The primary goal of the project is to bolster India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity, especially in designing and producing conventional submarines. The Indian Navy, anticipating the decommissioning of nearly 10 submarines over the next decade, sees this project as critical for replenishing its underwater fleet.
In addition to this conventional submarine programme, India is also advancing its nuclear submarine capabilities. The private sector, particularly Larsen & Toubro, will play a significant role in constructing two nuclear attack submarines in collaboration with the Submarine Building Centre.
With China’s naval expansion and increased presence in the Indian Ocean, the Indian government has prioritised the rapid modernisation of its submarine fleet to maintain strategic superiority and ensure maritime security against both China and Pakistan.
