Dutch-French Submarine Deal and Implications for India's Project-76: Focus on Pump-Jet Propulsion Technology and Cost Considerations

The Dutch government's decision to award a major submarine construction contract to France's Naval Group has broader ramifications than simply revitalizing the Netherlands' naval capabilities.

This deal has potential significance for India's own submarine modernization efforts, particularly the ambitious Project-76.

Naval Group's Rebound​

Naval Group will replace the Netherlands' aging Walrus-class submarines with four new conventionally powered Barracuda-class vessels.

This win is a welcome development for the French company, coming after the 2021 cancellation of a lucrative Australian submarine contract.

Implications for India's Project-76​

India's Navy is keenly observing this deal as it embarks on its own Project-76 to develop and build a new generation of submarines.

Naval Group has previously offered conventional submarine technology to India, potentially usable in this project.

Focus on Pump-Jet Propulsion​

A key area of interest for the Indian Navy is pump-jet propulsion technology, which offers significant advantages over conventional propellers for submarines.

Pump-jets provide quieter operation and increased maneuverability—crucial for underwater stealth and tactical superiority.

The Challenge of Cost​

While the Indian Navy recognizes the benefits of pump-jet propulsion, concerns linger over the potentially high cost. Naval Group's existing pump-jet systems are used exclusively on their nuclear-powered submarines.

This limited application leads to higher production costs when adapting the technology for conventionally powered vessels.

Potential Leverage from Dutch Deal​

The Dutch contract changes the equation. With Naval Group now committed to producing a larger volume of pump-jets for the Dutch submarines, the potential exists for more cost-effective production of the technology.

This could be a significant point of negotiation for India, providing leverage to obtain this vital technology at a more attractive price.

Looking Ahead​

While the specifics of India's potential collaboration with Naval Group remain under discussion, the Dutch submarine deal could very well accelerate India's acquisition of advanced French submarine technology.

The focus on the cost-effective integration of pump-jet propulsion systems will likely be central to future negotiations.

 

[Varaaah]

The Dutch chose the French above the Germans because of employment concerns and for the benefit their domestic defense companies.

 

[iambatman]

PRICE!!!!!!
they tried to rob Australians, they reap what they sow.

 

[sanket]

All project are stuck , Hope June there may b speedy decision.

 

[Pink Panther]

The Dutch chose the French above the Germans because of employment concerns and for the benefit their domestic defense companies.

No thanks, we don’t need submarines rejected by Australia, all we need is pumpjet propelsion tech, not the whole submarine, we can make our own.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

All project are stuck , Hope June there may b speedy decision.

P75I is moving. Navy teams have left to conduct trials on the spanish and german subs.

On the other hand model code of conduct has come into place. So no major decisions can be announced until june.

 

[sanket]

P75I is moving. Navy teams have left to conduct trials on the spanish and german subs.

On the other hand model code of conduct has come into place. So no major decisions can be announced until june.

At start there was 5 to 6 contenders Then korea ,Russia France pull back Now onlt 2 are remaining. hope it not become single vendor and it has to cancelled.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

India should go for Barracudas under Project-P 76. Best opportunity.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Why is the French Barracuda not in contestyà for P-75I?

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

India should go for Barracudas under Project-P 76. Best opportunity.

Wasn't Project P-76 going to be phully indigenous?

 

[Guru]

Stop dealing with Bankrupt france led by a transvestite president.

 

[Desi Guy]

India should go for Barracudas under Project-P 76. Best opportunity.

Product rejected by Australia, no, we are good.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Wasn't Project P-76 going to be phully indigenous?

Phully indigenous is a phull joke !!

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

At start there was 5 to 6 contenders Then korea ,Russia France pull back Now onlt 2 are remaining. hope it not become single vendor and it has to cancelled.

Infact when korea, russia and france puled out, germany was the only one left. that was a concern, that is why spain was brought in

 

[Anant]

Why is the French Barracuda not in contestyà for P-75I?

The original idea (as per the 1999 plan) was for Projects 75 and 75I to be two entirely distinct designs coming from different OEMs. The idea here was that exposure to two entirely different designs (and some holdovers from the Type 209 project, since it wasn't believed that this program would become as delayed as it did, leading to the loss of Type 209 experience) would allow for a more-rounded design for Project 76. As such, when France (Naval Group, tehnically) won Project 75, the chances of them getting shortlisted for Project 75I became miniscule. Now, while the Scorpene and Barracuda designs are quite different, they share a similar baseline, which was one of the reasons Naval Group pulled out of 75I.

 

[BCharlie]

No thanks, we don’t need submarines rejected by Australia, all we need is pumpjet propelsion tech, not the whole submarine, we can make our own.

Sirji, if we get only the propeller, then we may have to put it in museum as the rest of what this propeller gets connected to, will take a few decades.

 

[Pink Panther]

Sirji, if we get only the propeller, then we may have to put it in museum as the rest of what this propeller gets connected to, will take a few decades.

we can already make submarines like Arihant, we just need to combine both.

 

[Anil Kumar]

Barracuda is one of the best and most modern nuclear power attack submarine in its class but it's not fit in requirement for P-76. P-76 class of submarine should be approx 3000 ton conventionally powered with proven AIP. Pump jet propeller of Barracuda submarine also needs to change completely for P-76 type submarine. Overall a new submarine will need to develop with Indian money and precious time

 

[Akshat]

Product rejected by Australia, no, we are good.

Not rejected. It was the best deisel submarine. They just went for a different category. In that category US is the best.

Anyways. It doesn’t meet Indian requirements and France has anyways backed out. So no point discussing.

 

[Akshat]

Wasn't Project P-76 going to be phully indigenous?

Define phully indigenous please.