India’s long-delayed Project 75(I), valued at roughly ₹70,000 crore, is nearing a major breakthrough as the proposal approaches the final approval stage before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The acquisition aims to construct six advanced conventional attack submarines for the Indian Navy to address a growing shortfall in its underwater fleet and counter increasing maritime activity in the Indian Ocean.
Key Program Highlights
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Domestic Execution: The submarines will be manufactured domestically by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
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Advanced Technology: The new class of 3,000-tonne submarines will feature Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling significantly longer underwater endurance compared to standard diesel-electric boats without needing to surface frequently to recharge batteries.
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Localization & Teaming Agreements: TKMS is actively expanding its Indian ecosystem:
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Teaming with Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies alongside its subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK for Make-in-India heavyweight torpedo development.
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Partnering with Mumbai-based CFF Fluid Control for anti-submarine warfare components.
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Exploring further joint research with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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Operational & Strategic Context
| Parameter | Details |
| Fleet Context | Follows the completion of six Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines under Project 75, with the final vessel commissioned in early 2025. |
| Historical Precedent | Revives a decades-old submarine partnership with Germany, which previously saw Type 209/1500 Shishumar-class boats built at MDL in the 1980s. |
| Primary Goal | Deep technology transfer to enable India to move beyond assembly toward complete design, manufacturing, and maintenance self-reliance. |
Once the Cabinet Committee on Security provides formal clearance, final commercial terms, production timelines, and technology transfer workflows will be finalized between the Ministry of Defence, MDL, and TKMS. More updates can be tracked via the Ministry of Defence Portal and coverage on India Today.
