Indian navy: India is going to finalize two major submarine deals to double its Navy’s underwater capacity, which costs more than Rs 1.06 lakh crore. This step has been taken in view of China’s growing maritime strength and maintaining strategic balance in the Indian Ocean. It is expected that both the deals will be finalized by the middle of next year.

First Deal: Three Scorpene submarines

The first deal is a follow on order of Project 75, in which three new Scorpene submarines will be formed in collaboration with Majhgaon Dock Limited (MDL) of Mumbai and Naval Group of France. Their estimated cost is around Rs 36,000 crore. These submarines will be 1500 tonnes weighing and 75 meters long, air Independent Propulsion (AIP) can remain under water for 21 days. Weapons include torpedo, anti -ship missile and mine. By changing the old Russian kilos class submarines, they will increase the strength of the Navy in the Indian Ocean.

The deal has been delayed by two years due to technical and commercial issues. However, the contract is expected to be signed earlier next year and the first submarine’s delivery will be six years after the sign.

Second Deal: Six Diesel Electric Stealth submarines

The second deal is Project 75 India (P-75i), in which six new stealth submarines will be made. Its estimated cost is around 65,000- 70,000 crore rupees. Under this deal, TKMs of MDL and Germany will prepare submarines together.

These submarines will weigh 3000 tonnes, equipped with AIP system and stealth design, and will be with advanced sensors and weapons. These will fill the place of old Shishumar and Sindhghosh class submarines. The deal was delayed due to strict conditions of tender and inflation and currency fluctuations. The contract is likely to be in 6 months, while the first delivery will be seven years later and the remaining submarines will be given annually.

India’s Navy will increase

These deals will double the underwater strength of India’s Navy and will help in maintaining strategic balance against China in the Indian Ocean. It is also a ‘Make in India’ project, which will increase the country’s naval industry capacity and self -reliance.