Tech Desk: India is on the cusp of a significant naval expansion, with an ₹80,000 crore Project-75(I) submarine acquisition now awaiting final approval. This massive deal, alongside the evaluation of additional Kalvari-class boats, underscores India’s urgent drive to bolster its underwater combat capabilities amidst growing maritime collaboration between Pakistan and China. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the Project-75(I) proposal has reached its decisive final stage.

The Project-75(I) initiative will see Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) partner with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to construct six advanced conventional submarines in India. This move is pivotal for enhancing indigenous manufacturing and technology absorption, fostering a robust domestic submarine-building ecosystem. Simultaneously, the potential for more Kalvari-class submarines offers a rapid solution to immediate fleet requirements, despite being less advanced.

Crucially, existing and future submarines will integrate cutting-edge indigenous technologies. DRDO’s Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, set for installation on a Kalvari-class boat next year, promises extended underwater endurance and enhanced stealth. Furthermore, the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) has developed an advanced integrated combat system, slated for progressive installation across the fleet during refits, modernizing submarine warfare architecture.

This multi-pronged modernization strategy aims to decisively address capability gaps in India’s conventional submarine arm. By combining new builds, advanced propulsion, and sophisticated combat systems, the Indian Navy seeks to maintain a favourable balance in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region, ensuring formidable underwater combat effectiveness for decades to come.