Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a major Indian conglomerate, has announced its readiness to accelerate the production of submarines under the Project-75I program by constructing them concurrently at two shipyards.
J.D. Patil, CEO and Managing Director of L&T, stated that the company is prepared to undertake this ambitious approach should the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Navy require it.
L&T, in partnership with Spain's Navantia, has submitted a bid for the Project-75I program, offering a platform based on Navantia's advanced S-80 class submarine design.
The S-80 class is recognized for its state-of-the-art technology, stealth capabilities, and endurance, making it a strong contender for India's submarine modernization efforts.
Patil emphasized L&T's robust shipbuilding infrastructure and its capacity to handle the demands of simultaneous submarine production. The company has identified two shipyards for this purpose: the Kattupalli facility near Chennai on India's east coast and the Hazira facility near Surat on the west coast. Both facilities have the potential to be adapted and equipped for submarine construction, enabling faster production rates to meet the Indian Navy's requirements.
This dual-shipyard strategy highlights L&T's commitment to scaling its operations to fulfill India's strategic maritime needs. By leveraging its domestic manufacturing capabilities and its partnership with Navantia, L&T aims to deliver cutting-edge submarine technology while promoting indigenous defence production, aligning with the government's "Make in India" initiative.
The Project-75I tender is a crucial element in India's efforts to strengthen its underwater combat fleet, which is essential for safeguarding the nation's vast maritime interests. If L&T's bid is successful, it could position the company as a key player in the modernization of the Indian Navy, offering a combination of technological innovation and localized production to address India's defence requirements.
