Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a major Indian shipyard, is set to simultaneously construct six advanced German U-214NG submarines and three enhanced Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy.
This ambitious undertaking follows recent approval from the Indian Ministry of Defence, signaling a major boost to India's naval strength.
The U-214NG submarines will be built in partnership with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). MDL confirmed that the construction will take place in its existing drydocks.
The shipyard has stated that it possesses sufficient infrastructure and does not require any further expansion. MDL stated it currently has the capacity to build and refit up to 11 submarines at the same time.
This includes both building new submarines and upgrading existing ones, such as the Scorpene-class submarines, which are scheduled to receive Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. AIP systems significantly enhance a submarine's underwater endurance by allowing it to stay submerged for longer periods without needing to surface to recharge its batteries.
MDL anticipates a very busy period starting in 2025, when construction on all nine submarines is slated to begin. The existing tooling used for the development of prior Scorpene-class submarines is expected to accelerate the production of the three enhanced Scorpene-class vessels. The U-214NG project, while leveraging German design, is expected to take longer to kickstart.
The agreement with TKMS stipulates that the U-214NG submarines must be completed and delivered within seven years, setting a target date of 2032. This projected completion date is similar with the anticipated sea trials completion of the first of the three new enhanced Scorpene submarines, demonstrating MDL's efficient operational planning.
A significant portion of the U-214NG submarines' components are expected to be sourced locally, fostering growth within the Indian defence industry. The collaboration with TKMS also strengthens the strategic partnership between India and Germany in the naval sector.
Beyond these current projects, MDL has expressed its intention to be the primary shipyard for India's future naval initiative, known as Project-76. MDL aims to utilize its present accomplishments and facilities to make a substantial contribution to this upcoming project.
The simultaneous construction of these nine submarines will not only modernize the Indian Navy's fleet but will also solidify MDL's reputation as a leading global shipbuilder, capable of managing large-scale, technologically complex projects. The projects highlights the strength of MDL are its well-established infrastructure, a highly trained workforce, and expertise in naval engineering.
