New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): After being stalled for over six months, the Centre has granted clearance to the Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to begin negotiations for the purchase of six submarines under ‘Project 75 India,’ to be built in collaboration with Germany.
In January, the Defence Ministry had selected state-owned MDL to build six submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, with German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as its technology partner.
Speaking to ANI, Defence officials said, “The Centre has now given clearance to the Defence Ministry and the MDL to begin negotiations for the project, and the process is expected to start by the end of this month.”
The decision followed a high-level meeting that included top defence and national security officials, where the roadmap and future of India’s submarine fleet were discussed. The Defence Ministry and the Indian Navy aim to conclude contract negotiations within six months and secure final approval soon after.
Through this deal, the ministry seeks to strengthen indigenous capability in designing and manufacturing conventional submarines. The government is also exploring measures to accelerate the submarine-building process.
Under Project 75 India, the Navy is set to acquire six advanced submarines capable of remaining underwater for up to three weeks, made possible by the German AIP technology.
Meanwhile, Indian industry is also contributing to nuclear submarine development. Private sector giant Larsen & Toubro is expected to play a key role in collaboration with the Submarine Building Centre in constructing two nuclear attack submarines.
With China rapidly modernising its naval fleet, the Indian government has cleared several submarine projects—both nuclear and conventional—to strengthen India’s maritime security. Experts stress that India must urgently enhance its undersea capabilities to counter both China and Pakistan in the region.
The Indian Navy is expected to phase out about 10 of its existing submarines over the next decade, making timely replacements critical for maintaining operational readiness. (ANI)
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