India’s Rs 1 Lakh Crore Indigenous Submarine Project Boosts Defense
By Business Desk
India launches a landmark Rs 1 lakh crore initiative to indigenously design and build 12 conventional submarines, strengthening defense self-reliance and naval capabilities.
The Indian Navy is developing an indigenous design for a dozen conventional submarines, an ambitious project estimated to cost over Rs 1 lakh crore. This initiative marks a significant strategic move towards ‘Atmanirbharta’, or self-reliance, in defense capabilities.
Currently, only a select few nations possess the advanced expertise required to design submarines. The Directorate of Naval Design (DND) has already produced a foundational working design for these vessels.
Bolstering India’s Naval Self-Reliance
This indigenous program represents a crucial step for India to enhance its defense manufacturing capabilities. Further refinement of the design could potentially involve a technology transfer deal.
Such a deal, valued at Rs 5,000 crore, is being considered with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to advance the project.
Addressing Current Fleet Challenges
The Indian Navy presently faces a notable shortage in its submarine fleet. While it operates six modern Scorpene-class submarines, a significant portion comprises aging vessels.
- The fleet includes Russian-built KILO-class submarines, with the newest being 25 years old and the oldest exceeding 35 years of service.
- Additionally, four German-built HDW submarines were inducted between 1986 and 1994.
Mazagon Docks (MDL) in Mumbai possesses relevant experience, having successfully constructed the Scorpene-class submarines, and is slated to build future TKMS submarines.
Immediate Priorities and Future Acquisitions
While the indigenous submarine project is a long-term strategic plan, it is currently integrated into the Navy’s broader strategy. It has not yet received formal government approval.
The immediate governmental priority is to finalize the TKMS deal, which is anticipated within weeks. Following this clearance, the Navy will evaluate whether to acquire three additional TKMS submarines.
The early induction of more submarines is considered critical given India’s extensive naval responsibilities and the escalating strategic pressures in the Indian Ocean region.