The Indian Navy has quietly shifted its priorities in the submarine programme, leading to a major setback for hopes of ordering three more Scorpene-class submarines under the original Project 75 line.
For the past year, there was a strong belief that India might place an additional order for three more Scorpene submarines. The French side had also shown interest and was prepared for a follow-on order. The logic behind this plan was simple: the line at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is warm, the workforce is trained, and the infrastructure is already set. Extending production would have kept the supply chain alive and ensured the Indian Navy received fresh submarines without delay.
Another major attraction was the idea of integrating DRDO’s Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system into these submarines. This would have allowed India to field AIP-equipped boats before the arrival of the future P-75I submarines. If the order had come through, these three additional boats could have acted as a technological bridge between the Scorpene project and the next-generation programme.
However, that plan now appears unlikely.
Speaking to the media, the Navy Chief made the service’s position clear:
“We are right now focused on the P-75 India project, and once that is signed, we will come back to the P-75 project.”
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
This statement signals a major shift in priority. The Navy wants P-75I, a more advanced submarine programme with proven AIP, heavier weapon load, and superior endurance, to move first. Attention, energy, and financial planning have all shifted toward getting P-75I signed as soon as possible.
The unintended consequence:
The proposal for three additional Scorpene submarines has begun to fade. What once marketed as promising interim solution on paper with no major technology transfer from french makers, now seems to be “falling through the cracks.”
This change in stance may delay the deployment of DRDO’s AIP system on operational submarines, however the system can be considered for the futuristic P76 submarines later.
Data Leak
Concerns over French data security have also played a role in the Navy’s reduced enthusiasm for extending the Scorpene line. The first alarm came with the 2016 leak of detailed Scorpene submarine data, including stealth and combat-system parameters. Recently, another major breach involving sensitive files related to Rafale fighters and French nuclear submarines further shook confidence in France’s ability to safeguard high-end military information. For a platform where secrecy is survival, these repeated leaks have made the Navy far more cautious, strengthening the case to move forward with P-75I rather than commit to more Scorpenes.
For now, the message is clear the Indian Navy wants P-75I to take center stage. Until then, the hopes for the additional three submarines appears to be over.