Indigenous Submarine Development (Project-76)
The DRDO is preparing to seek approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for Project-76, aiming to design and develop an indigenous conventional submarine.
Inter-ministerial consultations are underway and CCS approval is expected within two months.
Timeline for Project-76: The design phase is estimated to take two to three years, followed by five years for construction.
The first submarine is expected to be ready approximately eight years after project sanction.
Specifications of Project-76 Submarine: The indigenous submarine is projected to displace around 3,000 tonnes and will be capable of launching land attack cruise missiles (LACMs) from its torpedo tubes.
A new LACM is under development by the DRDO for this purpose.
Indigenous Content (Project-76): The project targets 90% to 95% indigenous content, including weapons, missiles, combat management system, sonars, communications, electronic warfare suite, mast, and periscope.
Only some chips, electronics, and tubes will be imported.
Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Connection: Project-76 is a continuation of the ATV project, which is responsible for the Arihant class of nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and the ongoing project to develop nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs).
Project-75I Procurement: The Project-75I tender for six conventional diesel-electric submarines is entering contract negotiations after delays.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has cleared the technical evaluation.
Cost and Timeline for Project-75I: The estimated cost is around ₹70,000 crore.
The final contract is expected to take at least two years, and the first submarine will be delivered seven years after contract signing.
Parallel Progress: The P-75I and P-76 programs are expected to progress almost in parallel.
Indigenous SSN Program: The indigenous SSN program is in the design phase, estimated to take four to five years, with another five years for construction and validation.
Current Submarine Fleet: The Indian Navy currently has 17 conventional submarines, many of which are aging.
A contract for three more Scorpene-class submarines is expected soon, with the first delivery likely in 2030.
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