India's submarine capabilities are set for a significant boost with the advancement of Project-75(I), marking a leap from the Scorpene-class submarines acquired under Project 75. The Indian government has recently cleared the path for the Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to commence formal negotiations with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the construction of six advanced submarines. This move underscores India's commitment to strengthening its maritime defense capabilities, especially in the face of increasing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Project 75(I): A Quantum Leap

Project 75(I) represents a significant upgrade over the Scorpene-class submarines. The key enhancement lies in the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, which will enable the submarines to remain submerged for extended periods, up to three weeks, significantly enhancing their stealth and operational range. This is a critical advantage, as conventional diesel-electric submarines need to surface regularly to recharge their batteries, making them vulnerable to detection.

The Project 75(I) submarines are expected to be larger than the Scorpene-class, incorporating advanced stealth features, long-range guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar and sensor suites. These submarines will be equipped to undertake a wide range of naval operations, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and underwater mining.

Strategic Significance

The renewed focus on submarine acquisition comes amid China's rapid naval expansion and increasing maritime assertiveness. With the Indian Navy expected to retire nearly 10 aging submarines over the next decade, timely replacements are crucial to maintain operational readiness and deterrence. The Project 75(I) submarines, with their advanced capabilities, will play a vital role in bridging this capability gap and strengthening India's underwater warfare capabilities.

Furthermore, the project aligns with India's strategic objective of fostering indigenous capabilities in designing and manufacturing conventional submarines, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The deal with TKMS involves the transfer of technology, ensuring that India gains the expertise required for indigenous submarine production in the future.

The German Collaboration

Germany's TKMS has emerged as a frontrunner in the Project 75(I) program, offering a customized design based on the Type 214 submarine. TKMS's AIP technology has been successfully demonstrated and tested at sea, giving it an edge over other contenders. The German collaboration also builds upon a longstanding relationship, as TKMS's predecessor, HDW, supplied four Type-209 Sishumar Class submarines to the Indian Navy in the 1980s.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite the positive developments, Project 75(I) has faced numerous delays due to bureaucratic red tape, inadequate planning, and a lack of corporate competitiveness. The project was initially conceived in 1997, with the aim of inducting the submarines by the late 2020s, but they are now expected to be delivered by the mid-2030s. The cost of the project has also escalated, from an initial estimate of ₹43,000 crore to ₹70,000 crore.

To ensure the timely completion of Project 75(I), it is crucial to streamline the acquisition process, address bureaucratic hurdles, and foster greater collaboration between Indian and foreign partners. The Defence Ministry is targeting a timeline of six to eight months to conclude contract negotiations, after which final government approval will be sought.

Conclusion

The clearance for negotiations on Project 75(I) represents a significant step forward in India's quest to modernize its submarine fleet and enhance its maritime capabilities. By integrating advanced technologies like AIP and promoting indigenous manufacturing, India is taking a major leap towards becoming a submarine-building nation and ensuring its strategic superiority in the Indian Ocean region.