Project-75I: CCS Approval Nears for ₹70,000-Crore Indigenous Submarine Construction
In a significant advancement for India's maritime security and goals in indigenous defense manufacturing, the Central government is nearing approval for the ₹70,000-crore Project-75I initiative. This program aims to construct six next-generation conventional submarines for the Indian Navy.
Reports indicate that the Union Finance Ministry has sanctioned the proposal, clearing the path for final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The construction of these submarines will take place in Mumbai at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS). This partnership involves a significant technology-transfer agreement to boost India's self-sufficiency in submarine production.
Advanced Submarines with AIP Capability
The submarines, which are anticipated to be modeled on the German HDW Class-214 design, will incorporate Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This feature allows them to remain underwater for extended periods while minimizing detection risks.
According to the proposed schedule, delivery of the first submarine is projected seven years post-contract signing, with subsequent submarines delivered annually.
The project stipulates a minimum of 45 percent indigenous content in the initial submarine, increasing to 60 percent by the sixth one, aligning with India's broader objectives for defense indigenization.
Major Boost to Underwater Warfare Capability
Project-75I ranks among India's most crucial naval modernization efforts, expected to significantly boost the Navy's underwater combat capabilities amidst rising strategic tensions in the Indian Ocean Region.
The initiative holds particular significance as India aims to enhance its deterrence against increased Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean while preserving a technological edge in the area.
Growing India-Germany Defence Partnership
The submarine agreement underscores the strengthening defense ties between India and Germany. In April 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius endorsed a defense industrial cooperation roadmap in Berlin, focusing on joint development, co-production, and technological collaboration.
Building on India's Submarine Programme
MDL has previously delivered six Kalvari-class submarines under Project-75 in partnership with France's Naval Group. The last of these, INS Vaghsheer, entered service in January 2025.
The new Project-75I submarines will enhance India's expanding undersea fleet, which also includes indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines like INS Arihant, INS Arighaat, and the recently inducted INS Aridaman.
Defense officials assert that Project-75I will significantly bolster the Indian Navy's capabilities in executing stealth operations, sea denial missions, intelligence gathering, and strategic deterrence, while also advancing India's long-term vision of achieving self-reliance in advanced naval platforms by 2047.
