New Delhi: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and France’s Naval Group are exploring opportunities to expand their long-standing submarine partnership, with senior executives from both organisations meeting during EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris.
MDL Chairman and Managing Director Capt. Jagmohan held discussions with Naval Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pierre Éric Pommellet to examine the next phase of India-France submarine cooperation. The meeting focused on strengthening undersea warfare capabilities, expanding industrial collaboration and exploring future opportunities in submarine construction.
The discussions reflect continued engagement between the two organisations as India works towards strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and increasing local participation in complex naval programmes.
MDL and Naval Group Discuss Additional Submarine Project
One of the key areas discussed during the meeting was a potential additional submarine project. Both organisations also examined ways to further increase indigenous content in future submarine programmes.
The focus on greater domestic participation aligns with India’s broader objective of strengthening its defence manufacturing ecosystem, developing local industrial capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical defence equipment.
The collaboration between MDL and Naval Group is expected to remain an important part of India’s efforts to expand its submarine construction expertise and strengthen its conventional underwater fleet.
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Kalvari-Class Submarine Fleet Maintenance and Support Reviewed
Apart from future submarine construction, MDL and Naval Group also reviewed maintenance and supply chain management requirements for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarine fleet.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on improving lifecycle support and operational availability. Both sides examined measures to ensure sustained logistical and technical assistance so that the submarines remain mission-ready throughout their service life.
Long-term maintenance arrangements and an effective supply chain are important for supporting the operational readiness of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.
MDL-Naval Group Partnership Has Delivered Six Kalvari-Class Submarines
The MDL-Naval Group partnership has already resulted in the delivery of six Kalvari-class submarines to the Indian Navy.
The submarines were built in India using technology transferred from France’s Scorpène-class design. They have become an important component of the Indian Navy’s conventional underwater fleet and have contributed significantly to the development of India’s domestic submarine construction capabilities.
The collaboration has also supported the growth of a wider domestic industrial ecosystem involving local suppliers, specialised manufacturing facilities and long-term maintenance and support infrastructure.
The partnership continues to contribute to India’s submarine-building expertise while strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries.
EURONAVAL 2026 Highlights Future India-France Naval Cooperation
The meeting took place during EURONAVAL 2026, held from November 3 to 6 in Paris. The exhibition is among the world’s leading naval defence events and brings together shipbuilders, defence manufacturers, naval industry leaders and military representatives.
The event provides a platform for discussions on emerging maritime requirements, naval technologies and international defence partnerships.
The MDL-Naval Group engagement also reflects the broader strategic defence relationship between India and France, which has expanded across naval and aerospace sectors.
No final agreement was announced following the meeting. The companies also did not disclose any project order value or implementation timeline. However, the discussions indicate their continued interest in exploring deeper submarine cooperation and strengthening support for the Kalvari-class fleet.
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a Government of India-owned defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company is engaged in the construction and repair of warships, submarines and other vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. MDL is one of India’s leading shipbuilding organisations and plays a significant role in strengthening the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
