India to Expand Submarine Fleet with Nine New Acquisitions

The Indian Navy is poised to significantly expand its underwater capabilities with the addition of nine new submarines. The procurement process is currently in the pricing negotiation phase, after which the proposal will be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval. The construction of these submarines will be handled by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. India had previously collaborated with France’s Naval Group in 2005 under Project-75, which resulted in the acquisition of six Scorpene-class submarines. These Scorpene-class submarines are recognized as some of the most advanced attack submarines globally, equipped to launch torpedoes and anti-ship missiles effectively while remaining stealthy. Along with these, the Indian Navy is set to receive three additional submarines under the follow-on order of Project-75, and further contracts for six new submarines are also in progress under Project-75 India. This expansion will lead to a total of nine new submarines being added to the Indian Navy’s fleet in the upcoming years. Beyond the diesel-electric submarines, the government has also approved the construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSN), which will bolster the Navy’s overall capabilities. The first indigenous SSN submarine is expected to be commissioned into the Navy by the year 2036-37.