New Delhi: The Black Shark torpedo deal is set to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s combat capability by equipping its Kalvari-class submarines with advanced underwater strike weapons.
Signed between the Government of India and Italian defence company WASS Submarine Systems (WASS), the agreement marks a major step in underwater defence modernisation and paves the way for future Make-in-India collaboration in advanced torpedo technology.
Black Shark Torpedo Deal: Major Defence Contract Signed with Italian Firm WASS
On 30 December 2025, India’s Ministry of Defence finalised a contract worth approximately ₹1,896 crore (over €200 million) with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., a unit of Italy’s Fincantieri Group.
Read also: Matsya-6000 to Boost Marine Biodiversity Study And Forest Conservation – Know More About It
The deal covers the supply of 48 Black Shark Advanced (BSA) heavyweight torpedoes and associated equipment for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines, also known as Scorpène-class submarines.
This agreement is one of the largest orders in WASS’s long history and demonstrates strengthened defence cooperation between India and Italy.
The advanced torpedoes will be delivered between 2028 and 2030, with production based at WASS’s Livorno facility in Italy—a global hub for underwater defence technology.
What Are Black Shark Advanced Torpedoes?
The Black Shark Advanced torpedo is a next-generation heavyweight weapon developed for deep-sea combat scenarios. It features:
- Fiber-optic guidance and advanced acoustic homing for precise targeting.
- Low-noise electric propulsion, making it stealthy and difficult to detect.
- High speed and extended range, suitable for anti-submarine and anti-ship missions.
- Fully digital architecture with modular warhead capability.
Already in service with the Italian Navy and other global naval forces, the BSA torpedo is considered one of the most capable heavyweight torpedo systems available today.
What is the Impact of Black Shark Torpedo Deal
This deal fills a critical capability gap for India’s undersea fleet. Until now, the Kalvari-class submarines — built under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited — lacked modern heavyweight torpedoes as their primary weapon system.
With the induction of Black Shark Advanced torpedoes:
- The submarines will gain significantly improved offensive and defensive punch.
- India’s submarine force will be better prepared to respond to evolving maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Operational readiness and deterrence against surface and underwater threats will be enhanced.
Support for ‘Future Make-in-India’ and Technology Transfer
While the initial procurement is under the Buy Global category, WASS has expressed willingness to collaborate with Indian firms in future phases. The company has indicated support for:
- Indigenisation of key torpedo components.
- Transfer of technology (ToT) for production or maintenance in India.
- Local partnerships to build capability within Indian defence industry networks.
This aligns with India’s policy goal of Make-in-India, especially in niche defence technologies. Over time, such cooperation may help reduce dependency on imports and strengthen domestic industrial skills in underwater weapon systems.
Black Shark Torpedo Deal: Delivery Timeline and Deployment Plan
According to the contract:
- Initial deliveries of Black Shark Advanced torpedoes will begin in April 2028.
- All torpedoes and support equipment are expected to be delivered by early 2030.
- The system will be integrated across all six operational Kalvari-class submarines of the Indian Navy.
This phased delivery allows the Navy to progressively enhance combat capability while preparing crews and maintenance teams for advanced weapon integration.
Strengthening India-Italy Defence Ties
The contract also highlights deepening defence relations between India and Italy in the maritime security domain. For Italy’s Fincantieri and WASS, this deal represents:
- A major export milestone and strategic entry into the Indian defence market.
- Opportunity to build long-term industrial and institutional partnerships in South Asia.
- Expansion of global footprint in undersea warfare systems.
From India’s perspective, this partnership supports broader military modernisation and contributes to secure maritime borders amidst growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read also: Project 75I: India to Boost Submarine Force with Advanced Indigenous AIP-Equipped Submarines
