New Delhi: Indian navy is considering 3 Scorpène Evolved submarines as a transitional solution before the launch of the much-awaited Project-75(I) submarine program.
The proposal aims to keep India’s submarine-building ecosystem active and preserve critical industrial skills developed through the Scorpène project.
According to reports based on industry and defense sources, the move is intended to prevent a production gap between the existing Kalvari-class submarines and the future generation of advanced submarines.
What is the Reason of Indian Navy Scorpène Evolved Submarines Procurement
India completed the construction of six Scorpène-class submarines under Project-75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in partnership with France’s Naval Group.
The commissioning of INS Vaghsheer in January 2025 marked the completion of the program. Since then, specialized submarine manufacturing capabilities developed over many years have faced the risk of becoming idle.
Defense planners believe that without new submarine orders, India could lose valuable expertise in pressure-hull welding, equipment integration, testing, and other specialized skills.
Avoiding A Production Gap Before Project-75(I)
Project-75(I) is India’s next major submarine program and will introduce advanced submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. However, experts expect the project to take several years before construction begins.
To bridge this gap, India is evaluating the acquisition of three Scorpène Evolved submarines, which would keep shipyards and suppliers active until Project-75(I) enters production.
What Is The Scorpène Evolved Submarine
The Scorpène Evolved is an advanced version of the submarines currently serving in the Indian Navy. One of its major improvements is the use of lithium-ion batteries instead of traditional lead-acid batteries. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve underwater endurance.
Longer Underwater Operations
According to Naval Group’s proposal, the Scorpène Evolved could remain submerged for up to 80 days under certain operational conditions. This would provide greater stealth and operational flexibility compared to earlier designs.
Potential BrahMos-NG Integration
The proposal also includes a hull extension to accommodate a vertical launch system. Such a system could potentially allow future deployment of the BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile. If adopted, this would enhance India’s underwater strike capability and strengthen naval deterrence.
How Indian Navy Scorpène Evolved Submarines Procurement Supports India’s Defense Industry
Submarine construction requires highly trained engineers, welders, designers, and testing specialists. A continuous production line helps retain this expertise.
Without fresh orders, many skilled workers could move to other sectors, making future submarine projects more difficult and expensive.
Supporting Domestic Manufacturing
Additional Scorpène Evolved submarines would allow Indian suppliers and manufacturers to continue producing specialized submarine components. This aligns with India’s long-term goal of strengthening indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Indian Navy Scorpène Evolved Submarines Procurement: Link With India’s Rafale Marine Acquisition
The timing of the proposal is notable because India is also moving forward with the Rafale Marine fighter jet acquisition for the Indian Navy. Reports indicate that negotiations involving Naval Group and French defense cooperation are progressing simultaneously. Industry observers believe this could help accelerate discussions on the proposed submarine order.
Why Timing Is Important
Officials and industry stakeholders believe that decisions regarding the transitional submarine order must be made quickly. If there is a long delay, shipyards may need to reactivate idle facilities later, reducing the intended benefits of maintaining continuous production.
Strengthening Naval Readiness
India also faces the challenge of replacing ageing submarines while maintaining operational commitments in the Indian Ocean Region. Additional submarines would help sustain fleet strength during the transition toward future submarine programs.
Strategic Importance For The Indian Navy
The Indian Navy continues to modernize its underwater fleet amid increasing maritime competition in the Indo-Pacific region. The proposed Scorpène Evolved submarines could serve as an important bridge between the current Kalvari-class fleet and the next generation Project-75(I) submarines.
By preserving industrial capacity, supporting domestic manufacturing, and strengthening naval readiness, the proposal could play a significant role in India’s long-term maritime strategy.
Read also: German Technology, Make In India: Project 75I Submarine Deal Enters Final Stage
FAQs
The Scorpène Evolved features lithium-ion batteries, improved underwater endurance, and the potential integration of a vertical launch system for future missile capabilities.
India is considering them to prevent a production gap before Project-75(I), preserve submarine-building expertise, and keep domestic shipyards and suppliers active.
Project-75(I) is India’s upcoming submarine acquisition program that aims to build advanced submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology under a strategic partnership model.
