The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy has taken up Project 76 (P-76), a continuation of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project which is directed towards designing and manufacturing conventional submarines in India. The objective is to design and produce state-of-the-art naval submarines with innovative features to reduce India’s reliance on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) abroad.[i] The ultimate stealth weapon, submarines have proven to be extremely valuable strategic assets for military engagement. With these recent initiatives, India works towards enhancing its submarine capabilities and protecting its growing maritime interests from possible threats posed by neighbouring states.

In August 2024, the DRDO began undertaking preliminary research for these submarines. This step may prove to be a crucial turning point in the process of indigenisation of the Indian Navy’s potential abilities and the development of French technology from Project 75 (P-75) and collaboration with either German or Spanish companies for Project-75I (P-75I).[ii] Under P-75I, India is committed to ensuring that the greatest amount of indigenous material is included in constructing the next generation of submarines. This creates the ideal framework for developing P-76, which would supersede P-75I and will be entrusted to the Indian Navy Bureau to design and build these domestic conventional submarines.

The Arihant class of submarines are reportedly a source of locally developed technical equipment and other subsystems, for P-75I, which is expected to contain a significant degree of indigenous content. In addition, to shorten the time needed to build these submarines for the Indian Navy, P-75I will be assisted by public and private sector companies to better acquire experience and expertise before starting P-76. The project will use the capabilities borrowed from P-75 and P-75I licence-build programs to produce six to twelve of these conventional subs. In addition to a larger ballistic missile submarine that will supersede the current Arihant class Nuclear Ballistic Missile submarines (SSBNs), the Indian Naval Bureau is working on designing and constructing six Nuclear Attack Class Submarines.[iii]

P-76, P-75 and P-75I are essential to the nation’s efforts to accomplish the nuclear triad and safeguard its areas of national interest, especially the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Considering the IOR’s significance in commercial routes, energy supply, and geopolitical influence, India has significant strategic interests there. The nation can safeguard its maritime borders and preserve regional security thanks to this increased naval presence while successfully countering the Chinese navy’s growing influence in the IOR.[iv]

In summary, the success of these projects is necessary to help the Indian Navy in its goal of becoming an effective blue sea navy and improve the projection of its military capabilities in line with India’s growing economic and geostrategic positioning. P-76 is a noteworthy undertaking that upholds the Indian Navy’s dedication to preserve its maritime dominance. It sets a standard for upcoming defence initiatives and displays the capabilities of the country’s military institutions.

 

Blog by: Rehet Bains, Research Intern, CS3

 

ENDNOTES

[i] Peri, Dinakar. “DRDO Takes up Preliminary Study on Development of Indigenous Conventional Submarine.” The Hindu, June 30, 2024.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-takes-up-preliminary-study-on-development-of-indigenous-conventional-submarine/article68352888.ece.

[ii] Siddiqui, Huma. “Project 75 I: Who Will Win—Germany or Spain?” Defence News | The Financial Express, July 12, 2024. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-project-75-i-who-will-wingermany-or-spain-3551488/.

 

[iii] Sterk, Richard. “India Levels up in Nuclear Submarines.” Defense Security Monitor, May 2, 2023. https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2023/05/01/india-levels-up-in-undersea-nuclear-submarines/.

 

[iv] Palve, Shubhangi. “Project 76: Indian Navy Bets Big on ‘Underwater Fighters’ to Project Power, Deter Massive Chinese Navy.” EURASIAN TIMES, September 9, 2024. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/header-p-76-indias-next-gen-submarine/.