Project 75 India (P-75I) represents one of the most ambitious modernization programs undertaken by the Indian Navy to significantly upgrade its underwater warfare capabilities. At its core, the project focuses on the acquisition of six state-of-the-art conventional submarines that will incorporate Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This technology is regarded as a game-changer because it allows submarines to operate submerged for extended durations, close to three weeks, without surfacing. Such endurance greatly enhances stealth, survivability, and operational effectiveness, enabling the Navy to conduct prolonged missions in strategically sensitive waters such as the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
The government has already cleared the Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to move forward with formal negotiations for this high-value project. Germany has been chosen as the strategic partner for providing critical technological support, particularly in the field of AIP systems and advanced submarine design. Senior defence officials confirmed that the approval came after a high-level meeting involving defence and national security leadership, where the long-term roadmap for India’s submarine fleet was carefully deliberated. The negotiation process with Germany is expected to begin before the end of the current month, marking a significant milestone in advancing the project.
The Defence Ministry has set an ambitious target of concluding the contract negotiations within six to eight months. Once these negotiations are finalized, the proposal will undergo a final round of government approval, after which construction is expected to begin. However, the goals of P-75I extend beyond simply adding new submarines to the fleet. A critical aspect of the program is its focus on fostering indigenous capabilities by integrating advanced technology with Indian shipbuilding expertise. This will help reduce India’s long-standing dependence on foreign suppliers for conventional submarine technology, paving the way for self-reliance in future defence production.
German expertise in AIP systems is expected to be one of the defining features of the P-75I submarines. The AIP-equipped boats will provide the Indian Navy with the ability to operate silently and remain undetected in contested waters for extended periods. This capability directly supports India’s strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific, a region marked by rising maritime competition and the need for enhanced deterrence. Parallel efforts are being made to streamline the construction process so that the submarines can enter service as quickly as possible once the deal is finalized.
The project is also part of a larger initiative by India to strengthen its undersea warfare capabilities. Alongside the P-75I program, India is already engaged in the development of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). These SSNs are being constructed with active participation from the private sector, notably Larsen & Toubro, working in close collaboration with the Submarine Building Centre. The inclusion of private industry reflects a broader shift toward expanding the role of Indian companies in advanced defence production and reducing reliance on foreign firms.
The urgency behind this push stems from the regional security environment. China’s rapid naval expansion, particularly its growing fleet of nuclear and conventional submarines, has raised concerns for India’s maritime security. At the same time, Pakistan is also modernizing its submarine fleet, creating additional challenges. These developments have prompted India to accelerate its own undersea modernization efforts to ensure it can maintain both deterrence and operational superiority in its immediate neighborhood and beyond.
Adding further pressure is the fact that the Indian Navy is set to retire nearly ten aging submarines over the next decade. Without timely replacement, this would create a significant capability gap. By fast-tracking the P-75I project, India seeks to avoid such vulnerabilities and ensure a smooth transition from its older platforms to modern, advanced submarines equipped with cutting-edge technology.
In essence, Project 75 India is not just about procurement but about laying the foundation for long-term strategic autonomy in submarine design and construction. It demonstrates India’s recognition of the critical role undersea warfare will play in the coming decades and highlights the country’s determination to maintain a strong and credible naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Through partnerships, indigenous production, and advanced technologies, P-75I is poised to transform the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities and solidify its status as a formidable maritime force.
