The collaboration between France’s Naval Group and India marks a pivotal shift from mere procurement to a deep-rooted industrial partnership aimed at long-term maritime sovereignty.

Having successfully delivered six Scorpene-class submarines through Project-75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), the focus has now shifted to sustaining the high-level technical skills and industrial ecosystem painstakingly rebuilt over the last decade.

The primary challenge remains preventing a return to the stagnation seen after previous projects, where a significant gap in construction led to a total loss of specialised shipbuilding expertise.

To ensure this continuity, Naval Group is positioning itself for a follow-on order of three additional Scorpene submarines, a move formally initiated following high-level diplomatic engagements in 2023. 

These new vessels are not intended to be mere replicas of the first batch; instead, they are designed to be enhanced models featuring significantly higher levels of indigenous content. While the initial project involved local MSMEs, the proposed follow-on order aims for an unprecedented 60% to 80% indigenisation rate, integrating critical Indian-made systems such as the combat management suite developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

A major technical milestone in this expansion is the integration of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, developed by DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL). This "Jumboisation" process involves modifying the submarine's hull to insert a new 10-metre section containing the fuel-cell-based AIP, which allows the vessel to remain submerged for much longer periods without needing to surface and recharge batteries.

Naval Group is providing the necessary design and safety integration support to ensure this indigenous technology can be safely housed within the French-designed hull.

Beyond propulsion, the partnership is looking toward advanced lethality and endurance. Naval Group has offered to integrate India’s indigenous Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) into the fleet and has proposed the use of "NATO tubes" for future boats.

These larger tubes would allow the submarines to carry advanced, long-range weaponry, providing the Navy with a significant deep-strike capability. Furthermore, while the current fleet uses lead-acid batteries, the group is prepared to integrate future Indian-developed lithium-ion battery technology without additional cost, ensuring the fleet remains at the cutting edge of underwater endurance.

The presence of Naval Group India, which now employs over 100 local personnel, signifies a move toward a sovereign conventional submarine capability for India. This involves not just building new ships but providing full lifecycle support, maintenance, and complex retrofits for the existing fleet.

By maintaining a steady pipeline of orders and technical upgrades, the partnership aims to secure regional underwater interests for decades to come, ensuring that the industrial complex of public yards and private MSMEs remains a vibrant part of the national defence architecture.

Agencies