Centre Approves ₹70,000 Crore Submarine Project, Paves Way for Negotiations
The Centre has given the green light for the Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to initiate discussions with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a prominent German defence company, regarding the ₹70,000 crore Project 75 (India) submarine initiative.
This significant project involves the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India, featuring Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, with support from Germany. The decision followed a high-level meeting attended by senior defence and national security officials to assess the future direction of the Indian Navy's submarine fleet.
The Defence Ministry, MDL, and TKMS are expected to commence negotiations by the end of this month. Officials are optimistic about finalizing the talks within six months. Once all necessary approvals are obtained, this agreement will represent a crucial advancement in enhancing India's capabilities to build submarines domestically.
The submarines under Project 75(I) are designed to remain submerged for up to three weeks, a capability that would significantly enhance India's underwater warfare potential, especially in the context of China's swift naval modernization.
In addition to this project, India is collaborating with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the state-run Submarine Building Centre to construct two nuclear attack submarines. As nearly 10 submarines are expected to be retired over the next decade, timely replacements are essential to maintain the strength of the fleet.
Experts in defence suggest that the Project 75(I) agreement will not only bolster the Navy's operational preparedness but also promote self-reliance in vital defence technologies.
