Vagsheer, the 6th and last submarine of the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines of Project-75, during its launch for sea trials, on April 20, 2022. (File photo for representation.)
New Delhi: French defence giant Naval Group has reiterated its commitment to India’s submarine-building capabilities, expressing keen interest in constructing three additional Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy. In a significant development, the company has outlined plans to further deepen its partnership by incorporating a domestically developed combat management system into the new vessels.
In an email interview to news agency ANI, Naval Group’s executive vice-president (services), Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, revealed that the “heart” of the submarine’s operations, the combat management system, would be indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) with crucial architectural support from the French company. This strategic move is expected to bolster India’s self-reliance in defence technology and create a substantial number of skilled jobs within the country.
According to media reports, the proposed three submarines, to be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), will feature up to 60 per cent indigenous content, underscoring India’s growing prowess in shipbuilding. While the Indian Navy is currently negotiating the final terms of the deal, the project is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the nation’s underwater warfare capabilities.
The government is expected to greenlight the project within this financial year.
The development comes as India seeks to expand its submarine fleet to counter growing maritime challenges in the region. The Kalvari-class submarine, which is an export derivative of France’s Scorpene-class submarine, is already in service with the Indian Navy. Five of the six submarines of this class built under Project-75 – INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, and INS Vagir – have already been commissioned by the Navy. The sixth submarine, Vagsheer, is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned this year.
These submarines have demonstrated their effectiveness in recent years. By building upon this successful partnership, India and France aim to create a strategic maritime alliance that extends beyond the Indo-Pacific region.
