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.

 

[Akshat]

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.

Rejected? They were selected. Declared the best in the category. Just that they changed the category altogether and France won’t sell those.

Anyways. They have openly said that their product can’t meet Indian needs and have backed out.

 

[Akshat]

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

It’s not a jigsaw. The entire design gets changed

 

[Akshat]

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

They didn’t. It was US which was robbing Australia. France was getting only about 15% of the money. (I might be slightly off but the number was close to that.) LM was responsible for the weapons and drones and they were getting alll the money. Please read the specifics.

 

[Akshat]

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.

Actually the plan specifically said one Russian and one western design. Thing is that France has said that the RFI asks for things which can’t be included in their current design without a major overhaul, so high will make it too expensive. So they backed out.

 

[Pink Panther]

It’s not a jigsaw. The entire design gets changed

but Baracudda design seemed to be a ineffecient design, Australia must have found out major defect in it otherwise they wouldn't have rejected it.

 

[Pink Panther]

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

yes, like they do with Rafale, overcharge everyone with atlest $225Mln profit margin on each Rafale, very greedy, we shouldn't fall for it anymore, 62 is plenty.

 

[Paul Mathews]

but Baracudda design seemed to be a ineffecient design, Australia must have found out major defect in it otherwise they wouldn't have rejected it.

Australia only rejected it because they entered a deal with america and the uk to get nuclear subs, there was no other issue

 

[Anant]

Actually the plan specifically said one Russian and one western design. Thing is that France has said that the RFI asks for things which can’t be included in their current design without a major overhaul, so high will make it too expensive. So they backed out.

The original plan called for a Russian design, since it was also assumed that Russia would have a sufficiently different design process than the West, and because it was felt Russia would continue to develop new classes of diesel-electric submarines.

Now, when the Russians originally offered Lada-class submarines (the successors to the Kilo-class), that made sense. However, it soon became evident that the design was extremely troubled (after all, the lead ship, the Sankt Peterburg spent over 20 years being built and less than 2 years in service). The Russians therefore offered the Improved Kilo-class boats (Project 636), which was simply not acceptable to the Navy on the very reasonable premise of not wanting to replace an old Kilo-class boat with a slightly newer Kilo-class boat. Hence, the Russians, seeing no other options, also withdrew.

 

[Tls Mani]

Best thing would be to shortlist & finalise what's most suitable cost wise & tot. Congis used to decide on who gives commission to the family.We gad a sleeping DM during their days who would give orders only on the basis of commission for the Madam & family

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Define phully indigenous please.

Its the one, on the outside of which, sticker of "Made in China" is not visible.