Indian Shipbuilder HSL Targets Southeast Asia, in Talks with Vietnam for Kilo-class Submarine Refits, Philippines for Potential Collaboration

India's Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is setting its sights on Southeast Asia, actively pursuing defence cooperation with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. This strategic move aligns with India's broader ambition to become a major defence exporter and manufacturing hub, leveraging its expertise in shipbuilding and naval engineering.

HSL, one of India's largest shipyards, is already engaged in discussions with the Vietnam People's Navy (VPN) regarding submarine refits, specifically for their Kilo-class submarines. This potential collaboration not only strengthens bilateral defence ties but also highlights HSL's technical capabilities in handling complex naval projects.

Beyond Vietnam, HSL is also exploring opportunities in the Philippines, aiming to expand its services and partnerships in the region.

HSL has a long and rich history of contributing to India's naval capabilities. The shipyard built one of the first indigenously constructed ships for the Indian Navy and continues to play a vital role in modernizing the fleet. In 2020, HSL delivered the advanced Ocean Surveillance Ship (OSS) 'INS Dhruv,' India's first nuclear missile-tracking vessel.

More recently, in 2022, HSL launched two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) - Nistar and Nipun - designed for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue. These vessels, built with 80% indigenous material, exemplify HSL's alignment with the Indian government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

HSL has also secured a significant contract with the Defence Ministry for five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) worth Rs 19,000 crore, further demonstrating its capabilities and solidifying its position as a key player in India's naval shipbuilding industry.

This push towards international collaboration reflects India's broader geopolitical strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the naval capabilities of friendly nations, India aims to strengthen regional security and counterbalance potential challenges.

HSL's outreach to Southeast Asia not only promotes the "Make in India" campaign but also sets a precedent for other Indian defence enterprises to seek global markets for their advanced technological offerings.

 

[GMR]

If materializes, it will be a great beginning 👍

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Really hope we are able to perform whatever we undertake ,if we are successful this could mark a new beginning of India's rise.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Let's build our 3 aditional P75 Kalvari, decide on P75i, and design out P76

we need to refit our own Kalvari class with AIP, our old Kilo class and HDW class subs also need refit

and our strategic nuclear missile and nuclear attack submarines are just beginning to take shape , working on prototypes and designs

but somehow we are very eager to sell to and refit foreign armed forces where our own armed forces suffer

priorities need to be clear, first set our house in place and the help others

diplomacy comes into picture after basic defense is in place