In a move that marks a potential shift in India's defence procurement landscape, the Indian Navy is reportedly reconsidering the Italian-made "Black Shark" torpedo for its Kalvari-class submarines.
This comes after the Italian defence company Leonardo, formerly Finmeccanica, was removed from a blacklist that had prevented it from participating in Indian defence contracts.
The Navy is seeking to procure 48 heavyweight torpedoes, with the contract estimated to be worth ₹3,000 crore (approximately $365 million USD).
The Black Shark, known for its advanced homing capabilities and long-range performance, was previously considered the frontrunner for a larger torpedo contract in 2008-09.
However, allegations of corruption linked to a separate helicopter deal with Finmeccanica led to the company's blacklisting and the torpedo project being dropped in 2013.
With Leonardo now back in contention, the Black Shark faces competition from German and French companies. Germany's SeaHake torpedo, renowned for its reliability and precision, and France's F21 torpedo, developed by Naval Group, are also vying for the contract.
Each torpedo offers unique advantages: the F21 boasts high stealth and targeting accuracy, the Black Shark excels in challenging underwater environments with its quiet propulsion, and the SeaHake offers extended operational range and high precision.
The selection of the torpedo is crucial for the Kalvari-class submarines, which are a key component of India's underwater capabilities. These submarines, built under Project-75, are designed for a range of missions, including intelligence gathering, anti-ship warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. India currently has six Kalvari-class submarines operational or under construction, with negotiations underway for three more.
This renewed interest in the Black Shark highlights the evolving nature of India's defence procurement policies. While the country has strengthened anti-corruption measures, it is also actively seeking to diversify its supplier base.
However, the tender process reportedly does not specify field evaluation trials. It remains unclear whether the Navy will rely on past data or solely on technical information to evaluate the competing torpedoes.
This development has generated considerable interest within the defence industry, with experts closely watching the Navy's decision. The outcome of this competition could have significant implications for future defence collaborations and highlight India's evolving approach to balancing its security needs with its commitment to transparency and accountability in defence procurement.
