The Project 75I program promises to transform the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet with next-generation capabilities and endurance. The Indian Ocean Region is heating up with strategic competition, making submarine modernization not optional but essential.
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) has decisively defeated Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in the P75I submarine program by doing what truly mattered, successfully proving the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in real operating conditions. While L&T couldn’t meet this crucial requirement, MDL delivered where it counted.
What also worked in MDL’s favor is its well-established shipbuilding infrastructure, which gives it the ability to meet the Navy’s timelines without delays. Today, MDL can build up to nine submarines at the same time a remarkable capability that goes beyond just industrial strength. It’s a national asset, supporting India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Why Project 75I Is Critical for Indian Navy’s Future
India’s submarine force currently lacks air-independent propulsion (AIP), a vital technology for modern undersea warfare. With Project 75I, the Indian Navy aims to bridge this technological gap and increase its credibility as a capable submarine power. AIP-equipped submarines offer longer underwater endurance and greater operational range, improving stealth and survivability.
MDL Leads Project 75I as L&T Exits the Race
Initially, two Indian shipyards competed for Project 75I: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with Spain’s Navantia. However, L&T failed to meet technical requirements and now stands disqualified.
MDL remains the only Indian shipyard with proven submarine-building experience. It delivered two HDW submarines in the 1990s and six Kalvari-class submarines under Project 75. That unmatched record positions MDL as the sole contender in the current program.
L&T Misses Its Submarine-Building Opportunity
L&T hoped to enter the submarine manufacturing segment through Project 75I. Their objective was to win the contract, if not then secure a workshare arrangement despite being aligned with a rival OEM. However, such an arrangement could create ethical concerns and legal complexities. L&T has not responded to Alpha Defence’s request for clarification on this matter.
Delays May Hurt Indian Navy’s Readiness
Project 75I has already seen multiple delays. Now, fresh attempts to renegotiate the workshare risk pushing timelines even further. As a result, the Navy’s operational readiness could take a serious hit. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Defence has stepped in. It now appears focused on cutting red tape and accelerating the process. By streamlining procurement, the government aims to meet critical naval requirements without more disruption. Every lost month adds pressure on the Navy, especially with growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
improvement in port capacity is welcome.
massive infrastructure development helps in becoming leader in ship building.
Firstly, if I am not wrong. L & T was involved as main sub-contractor to Mazgaon Docks in fabrication of all its submarines projects including the 3 or 4 nuclear missile launching ones of ARIHANT class completed so far! Secondly for present Govt of India, giving a private company like L & T massive orders leaving Govt owned ship building yards like Mazgaon etc, it gives our opposition handle to blame them for kickbacks, which they did in all the Defence contracts!
Now even if Mazgaon Docks gets orders for 6 submarines, large amount of fabrication work will be subcontracted to L& T to expedite the production!
Even in AIP, L & T was & will be part of the fabrication!
No one can deny that the quality of L & T’s fabrication is the best in the class in whole world! 🙏🏻
Having designed, built and operated nukes, P75I is a sheer waste of time and resources. Best start indigenous dieso-electric subs programme with proven suppliers of ATV systems/subs systems . It will be faster, cheaper and better. MDL can be the yard building it.
new submarine must be for indian navy today.
Mazagaon Dock took 16 years to deliver their first 7 year contract for 6 submarines! And the ordered cost of Rs 24,000 cr balloons to Rs 43,000 cr in the process! L&T delivered nuclear powered submarine ahead of time and without cost overrun.
And the Govt believes Mazagaon Dock will suddenly reform and deliver these submarines in time and within budget!
As far as I understand, neither the MDL nor the L&T has any indigenous proven functional AIP technology. Hence, GOI issued RFIs to foreign contenders with proven AIP technology. None except Thyssenkrup and Navantia have AIP installed in their submarines [Turkish and South Korean subs have AIP but again they were produced in collaboration with Thyssenkrup]. As Navantia’s AIP is new and not proven hence the contract was given to Thyssenkrup. So, the decision was not made because L&T’s infrastructure is not up to the standards but because Navantia with whom L&T teamed up doesnt have a proven functional AIP. This article is misleading. It was never between MDL or L&T, it was always between the foreign contenders Navantia and Thyssenkrup.