Indian Navy unlikely to drop Project-75I submarine program, mandated clause of AIP may be withdrawn

Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)

File photo of the Induction of 5th Project-75 Scorpene (Kalvari class) class submarine INS Vagir

The Indian Navy is unlikely to drop plans to procure six Next Generation Diesel Electric submarines on the Project-75I even though the Navy is considering to procure three additional Kalvari class submarines to utilize the expensive production line, manpower, and technical skills at Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders that can be wasted due to lack of orders.

Presently only the South Korean and German bid in Project-75I meets all the criteria but the German Shipyard is not keen to participate due to Quality liability and stringent Transfer of Technology clause.

The Indian Navy is now considering dropping the mandated clause of having a Sea proven and operational fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system which will result in the participation of France and Russia in Project-75I but the Navy has made it clear that there will be no changes in stringent Transfer of Technology clause and quality liability.