L&T Targeting Completion of Its Indigenous Project-76 Submarine Design By 2027; Commissioning By 2037
Illustrative
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is targeting completion of the design for its
indigenous diesel-electric submarine under India's Project-76 by 2027. This
marks a critical milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance in conventional
submarine development and underwater warfare capabilities.
Project-76 is an ambitious Indian Navy initiative to build 12 advanced
diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion
(AIP), each with a submerged displacement of around 3,000 tonnes. These subs
aim to succeed the older Sindhughosh (Kilo) class with vastly improved
indigenous content and modern features.
L&T Defence plays a central role in this project, working closely with the
Indian Navy and DRDO to finalise a design that integrates weapon control
systems, AIP technology, lithium-ion batteries, and advanced sensors and
stealth features. The design phase represents a shift from reliance on foreign
designs toward a fully indigenous submarine ecosystem.
The Project-76 subs will be constructed in two batches of six. While both
batches will share the primary hull design, the second batch will incorporate
modular upgrades in weapons, sensors, and systems to counter evolving maritime
threats. Construction of the first submarine is expected to start circa 2030,
with the goal of launching by 2037.
The AIP system developed by DRDO for these subs allows significantly longer
submerged endurance, enhancing stealth and operational range. It features a
phosphoric acid fuel cell stack providing auxiliary power underwater. This
capability is critical in improving the diesel-electric subs' ability to
remain undetected for extended periods.
L&T's Project-76 submarine design is estimated to have 90–95% indigenous
content, representing a significant leap in domestic defence manufacturing
sophistication. The project aligns with India's long-term naval modernisation
and strategic autonomy goals while boosting the domestic defence industrial
base.
There is also a competing indigenous design effort underway by Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), offering the Indian Navy two distinct indigenous
submarine designs to choose from, emphasising a vibrant domestic ecosystem for
underwater platforms.
In summary, L&T is on course to complete the design of India's first fully
indigenous conventional diesel-electric submarine under Project-76 by 2027.
This system promises next-generation capabilities in stealth, endurance,
strike power, and indigenous technology integration, projected to bolster
India’s maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Concise timeline of Project-76 milestones until 2037, based on available
information from recent sources:
| Year | Milestone Description |
|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Finalise detailed design of Project-76 indigenous diesel-electric submarine by L&T Defence. |
| 2027 | Completion of the full design phase, integrating AIP, advanced sonars, indigenous weapon control. |
| 2028-2029 | Preparation for construction phase, setup of industrial infrastructure, procurement of critical components. |
| 2030 | Start of construction for the first Project-76 submarine. |
| 2032-2035 | Progressive construction and outfitting of the initial batch of submarines. |
| 2037 | Targeted launch and commissioning of the first Project-76 submarine into the Indian Navy fleet. |
| 2037+ | Continued building of remaining submarines in two batches with upgrade modularity for later units. |
This timeline shows the shift from design finalisation by 2027 toward transitioning to construction by 2030 and achieving operational status by 2037 for the lead vessel, enabling phased modernisation of India's conventional submarine fleet.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
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