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In a significant step towards bolstering its naval power and achieving self-reliance in underwater warfare, India is on track to finalize the design for its next-generation Project-76 conventional submarines within the next year.
This ambitious programme aims to deliver the nation's first indigenously designed submarines, integrating advanced stealth features and formidable strike capabilities.
J.D. Patil, founder of the private sector giant L&T Defence, confirmed that design work is progressing rapidly. The company is collaborating closely with the Indian Navy to develop the new class of submarines, which will be a successor to the previously planned Project-75I that faced significant delays.
The finalization of Project-76 marks a pivotal shift in India's naval strategy, moving away from reliance on foreign technology and fostering a domestic ecosystem for complex military manufacturing.
The Indian Navy plans to acquire 12 of these state-of-the-art submarines, to be built in two separate batches of six. While both batches will share the same fundamental hull design, the second set of six will incorporate significant internal advancements in weaponry, sensors, and other systems to counter future threats.
This modular approach ensures that the fleet can be easily upgraded with emerging technologies throughout its service life, maintaining its operational edge.
According to current timelines, construction on the first submarine is expected to commence around 2030, with a targeted launch by 2037.
The programme is central to India's long-term goal of addressing the depleting strength of its submarine arm and establishing a robust industrial base for submarine construction.
The successful implementation of Project-76 is seen as crucial for the Indian Navy to maintain its strategic advantage in the increasingly contested waters of the Indian Ocean Region.
These new vessels will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, drawing upon the operational experience gained from the French-designed Kalvari-class submarines built under Project-75.
A key feature will be the integration of an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, developed indigenously by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The AIP system will allow the submarines to remain submerged for much longer periods, drastically reducing their vulnerability and enhancing their stealth.
Furthermore, the design will feature advanced sonar systems for superior detection and will be armed with cruise missiles for long-range land and sea attack missions.
The advancement of Project-76 highlights the Indian Navy's focus on modernising its fleet, with underwater dominance identified as a critical priority. A successful outcome will not only strengthen national security but could also position India as a potential exporter of sophisticated defence platforms to friendly nations in the future.
