Why is it in the news?

• Germany has proposed a government-to-government deal to sell six advanced conventional submarines to India under the P-75I procurement program.

More about the news

• The deal was discussed at the highest level during the visit of the German Defence Minister in 2023.
• Only Germany and Spain meet the technical criteria to submit bids for the P-75I deadline.
• The deal is being pursued under the strategic partnership of the defence procurement procedure.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited have been shortlisted to partner with foreign submarine manufacturers for indigenous production in India.

About Project-75I

• Project-75 (India), or P-75(I), is a military acquisition initiative by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• It aims to procure diesel-electric attack submarines with fuel cells and Air-Independent Propulsion System (AIP) to bolster India’s naval strength and develop indigenous submarine-building capabilities.
• P-75I improves upon the design and technology of its predecessor, Project 75.
• Project 75 submarines, like the Scorpene, possess enhanced stealth features but require recharging every 48 hours due to battery-powered operation.
• P-75I submarines will incorporate AIP technology, allowing for extended submerged durations of up to two weeks and potentially larger sizes.
• The budget for P-75I is nearly double that of Project 75, starting at Rs 43,000 crore compared to Rs 23,000 crore.

India’s Need for Increased Submarine Fleet

• National Security and Maritime Dominance: India aims to enhance maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean region.
• Aging Fleet: With most submarines over 30 years old, there’s a need for modernization and replenishment.
• Patrolling IOR: India currently falls short of the desired minimum of 24 conventional submarines for effective Indian Ocean Region (IOR) patrolling, possessing only 16.
• Modernization and Technological Advancements: To maintain naval superiority, India requires modern and technologically advanced submarines amid rapid global advancements.

Conclusion

• India, part of the Quad grouping with Japan, the US, and Australia, advocates for technology sharing to build submarines.
• However, reluctance persists among potential partners due to India’s proximity to Russia and its “Make in India” policy, prioritizing local manufacturing and job creation.