New Delhi: Project-75(I) submarine deal has reached its final stage, according to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The government is moving closer to approving a major project to build six advanced conventional submarines in India under Project-75(I). Officials have also confirmed that additional Scorpene-class submarines are being considered to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities.
The announcement comes at a time when India is focusing on modernizing its naval forces and enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
India Moves Closer To Project-75(I) Submarine Deal
Speaking to ANI, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that Project-75(I), valued at over ₹80,000 crore, is currently in its final stages.
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The proposal has already been submitted and is awaiting a final decision from the competent authority. Once approved, it will become one of India’s largest indigenous submarine construction programs.
What Is Project-75(I)
Project-75(I) is a key Indian Navy modernization program aimed at building six advanced conventional submarines.
These submarines are expected to feature modern stealth technology, advanced sensors, long-range weapons, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems that allow submarines to remain underwater for longer periods without surfacing.
The project is part of the Government of India’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to boost domestic defense manufacturing.
Project-75(I) Submarine Deal: Additional Scorpene Submarines Under Consideration
Apart from Project-75(I), the government is also examining a proposal to build three more Scorpene (Kalvari-class) submarines.
According to the Defence Secretary, discussions on the additional Scorpene submarines are ongoing, although the proposal is not as advanced as Project-75(I). If approved, the new submarines would be constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
Why More Scorpene Submarines Matter
The Indian Navy currently operates six Kalvari-class submarines built under Project-75. These submarines have significantly improved India’s underwater warfare capabilities and have become an important part of the Navy’s strategic fleet.
Adding more Scorpene submarines would help maintain fleet strength while newer submarine programs are developed.
MDL And TKMS To Lead Construction
The six submarines under Project-75(I) are expected to be built through a partnership between India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
The project will involve substantial participation from Indian private-sector companies, supporting local manufacturing and technology transfer.
This approach is expected to create jobs, strengthen India’s defense industrial base, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Project-75(I) Submarine Deal: Focus On Indigenous Defense Manufacturing
India has increasingly emphasized domestic production of defense equipment.
Large projects such as Project-75(I) are designed to develop local expertise in submarine construction while bringing advanced foreign technology into the country. Defense experts believe such programs will improve India’s long-term self-reliance in naval warfare systems.
Read also: Why Is India Looking At 3 More Scorpène Submarines When Project-75(I) Is Coming
FAQs
The submarines are expected to be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in partnership with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
It is Project-75(I), a major Indian Navy program to build six advanced conventional submarines in India with modern technologies and significant domestic participation.
Yes. The government is also considering a proposal to build three additional Scorpene (Kalvari-class) submarines, although the proposal is still under review.
