The ambitious Project-76, which will strengthen the future underwater warfare capability of the Indian Navy, is getting new momentum. Government company Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and private sector Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are working rapidly on indigenous submarine designs. This project is going to prove to be a big step towards making India self-reliant in conventional submarine design and construction.
Project-76 is the first such program of the Indian Navy, in which next generation diesel-electric submarines will be developed as per Indian needs by completely eliminating dependence on foreign designs. According to the Navy’s plan, a total of 12 submarines will be built, which will replace the existing submarines which are becoming old.
According to sources, the estimated total cost of the entire project is said to be around Rs 70 thousand crore (about 7.3 billion US dollars). This cost will cover the design, development, manufacturing and development of related technologies. Mass production and indigenization can further reduce the cost per submarine.
The new submarines are expected to include several of the following capabilities
- Ability to remain underwater for long periods of time (2-3 weeks or more with AIP systems).
- DRDO’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.
- Lithium-ion batteries.
- Advanced stealth technology and indigenous combat management system.
- Vertical Launch System (VLS) for long range cruise missiles (like BrahMos or others).
- Improved sensors, sonar and weapon systems with a displacement of approximately 3000 tonnes.
- These submarines will further strengthen India’s strategic edge in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Competition between MDL vs L&T
– MDL is designing Super Kalvari based on the experience of the existing Kalvari (Scorpene) class. The company aims to complete the design by 2028. L&T is presenting the design based on its SOV-400 program and experience in nuclear submarine (ATV) construction. L&T aims to complete the design by 2026-27. Both the companies can submit their designs to the Navy by 2028. After this the Navy will make the final selection.
Possible timeline of the entire project
Design phase: Expected completion from 2026-27 (L&T) to 2028 (MDL and others). Government approval and construction will begin around 2028-31. The first submarine will be delivered 6-7 years after the order. All 12 (or initial 6) submarines are expected to be delivered within 10 years, which may involve parallel construction at both MDL and L&T yards.
Indian Navy will get strategic advantage
According to sources, this competition between MDL and L&T will prove to be very beneficial. This will enable better technology, greater indigenization (up to 80-95%), lower risk and faster growth. Besides, the country’s submarine manufacturing industry will be strengthened and the MSME ecosystem will also get a big boost.
If Project-76 is successful, the Indian Navy will get a long-term strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean. This will prove to be a historic step towards realizing the vision of a self-reliant India, which will not only increase defense capability but will also create export possibilities. The Navy and Defense Ministry are now emphasizing on expediting the design phase. So that construction can start on time.
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