Indian Navy to Receive Nine New Submarines, Strengthening Maritime Capabilities

In a move to bolster its naval power, India is planning to induct nine new modern diesel-electric submarines into its fleet. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the prices before seeking approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The construction of these submarines will be undertaken at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. India’s existing submarine fleet includes six Scorpene-class submarines, acquired through a 2005 agreement with France’s Naval Group under Project-75. These submarines are considered among the most advanced attack submarines in the world, equipped to launch torpedoes and anti-ship missiles while remaining undetected by adversaries. The Indian Navy is also slated to receive three more submarines under the Project-75 follow-on order and is working on contracts for six new submarines under Project-75 India. This expansion will bring the total number of new submarines in the Indian Navy to nine in the coming years. Moreover, the government has sanctioned the construction of two nuclear attack submarines (SSN) to augment the Navy’s strength further. Currently, India operates 17 diesel-electric submarines and two nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN). The first indigenous SSN submarine is anticipated to join the Navy by 2036-37.