India nears approval for 80,000 crore rupee submarine project

India is nearing final approval for Project-75(I), a major maritime defense initiative valued at over 80,000 crore rupees. The project aims to construct six advanced conventional diesel-electric attack submarines through a strategic partnership between state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the submarines will be built entirely within the country, involving both public sector units and private sector companies. These vessels are expected to feature advanced sensors, stealth capabilities, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology to enhance underwater endurance.

In addition to Project-75(I), the Indian Navy is considering the acquisition of three more Scorpene-class submarines to expand its existing Kalvari-class fleet. Furthermore, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an indigenous AIP system, which the Navy plans to install on an existing Scorpene-class submarine during a mid-life refit scheduled for mid-2026.