The Indian Navy’s persistent concerns over its dwindling underwater combat capability continue, with fresh uncertainty surrounding both Project 75-India (P75-I) and the proposed additional three Scorpene-class submarines under the existing Project 75 framework.

According to sources, there is still no clarity on the exact progress or timelines of P75-I, and indications suggest the ambitious project may face extended delays.

The lack of forward movement also extends to the supplementary project for three Scorpene-class submarines to be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, despite negotiations having already been concluded and proposals submitted.

Under the strategic partnership model, MDL will spearhead the ₹70,000 crore P75-I program in collaboration with Germany’s TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems), which aims to construct six advanced conventional submarines featuring Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.

Alongside this, the ₹36,000 crore proposal for three additional Scorpene-class submarines would extend production of the jointly developed French-origin Kalvari-class (Project 75) platforms. Together, the twin submarine programs represent a cumulative investment exceeding ₹1.06 lakh crore.

However, despite the strategic priority, P75-I is running behind schedule—an Expression of Interest was issued as early as 2019, but the contract is yet to be signed. Even if finalised this year, the first submarine is unlikely to be inducted before 2032, given the lead construction timelines of seven to eight years post-contract signing.

The situation revives memories of the earlier Project 75 experience, where the original Scorpene program faced major delays and cost overruns. The 2005 contract for six submarines, valued at ₹18,706 crore, eventually surged to about ₹23,000 crore, with the first vessel, INS Kalvari, inducted only in 2017—five years later than planned.

Despite eventual completion of all six platforms, the slow pace of delivery has meant that obsolescence issues across India’s submarine fleet remain unresolved.

Currently, the Navy operates a mix of just 16 conventional submarines, of which nearly 12 are ageing platforms of Soviet and German origin, well past their intended operational life.

Though the six Kalvari-class submarines have modernised capabilities, their numbers fall short of Navy’s long-standing requirement of at least 24 conventional submarines to meet operational demands across two fronts.

With delays now looming over both P75-I and the additional Scorpene project, the Navy risks an extended capability gap where older platforms may retire faster than replacements arrive.

The challenges underline the urgency of accelerating submarine construction programs to prevent a sharp erosion of India’s undersea deterrence and combat readiness.

The Navy has repeatedly stressed that newer additions must simultaneously replace obsolete boats and increase the overall force level, but with fresh delays clouding both P75-I and the Scorpene extensions, India’s underwater arm faces a critical juncture of stagnation in strength and capability.

Agencies