The construction of six Scorpene conventional submarines by Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, under Project 75, is just 18-24 months from completion.
French shipbuilder Naval Group (formerly DCNS), which has supplied the technology under a $3.25 billion order, is seeking a bigger role in India. This includes upgrading the six Scorpenes with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and competing in the $5.5 billion global tender for building six more AIP submarines under Project 75-I
What is 'Project 75 India
The Indian Navy is all set to issue a tender to acquire six lethal submarines as part of the ambitious Project 75 India, which is expected to cost more than Rs 50,000 crore
The Indian Navy intends to build six conventional diesel-electric submarines under Project 75 India, which would be nearly 50 per cent larger than the Scorpene-class submarines currently under construction at Mazagon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai
the submarines must be equipped with heavy-duty firepower, with at least 12 Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles
And this submarines will be capable of carrying and launching 18 heavyweight torpedoes at sea. The next generation of submarines will require significantly more firepower than the Scorpene.
With Project 75 nearing completion, is Indian Naval Group well poised in the tendering for Project 75-I?
torpedoes are the Scorpene's primary underwater armament, they have offered the Indian Navy their latest-generation F-21 heavyweight torpedoes, which we developed for the French navy's nuclear attack submarines.
The F-21's capabilities far exceed all other torpedoes currently in service. It has recently demonstrated exceptional performance levels in operational trials and has been recently inducted into the French navy. The Indian Navy has, therefore, been offered the French navy's latest torpedoes.
Third, the Indian Navy has an ambitious carrier air programme. Naval Group is likely to provide support in building India's second indigenous aircraft carrier , which is currently being designed. Currently , they are also in discussion with Indian shipyards for future surface ship programmes.
Naval Group would also support other future naval platforms with high-end military systems.
