India’s Underwater Power Surge: Mazagon Dock Kicks Off P75(1) Submarine Negotiations

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The much-anticipated Project 75 India (P75I), focused on building six advanced stealth diesel-electric submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, is underway as Mazagon Dock and German partner ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) start formal discussions with the Indian Navy. This move aims to bolster India’s underwater warfare capabilities against evolving maritime threats.

Key Highlights and Context

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, a central public sector unit and premier Indian warship builder, is at the forefront of this initiative under the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Make in India’ framework.
The P75I submarine program is valued at approximately ₹70,000 crore and is one of the largest indigenous defense projects currently pursued.
Alongside the P75I program, Mazagon Dock is also involved in a ₹36,000 crore follow-on order for three Scorpene-class submarines with France’s Naval Group, consolidating its role as a major submarine builder.
Though the bids were qualified as early as January 2025, this September marks the official start of cost and commercial negotiations aimed at contract finalization—expected to take 6 to 9 months.
The Indian Navy seeks to strengthen and modernize its underwater fleet amid increasing regional maritime challenges, including China’s expanding naval presence.

Progress and Strategic Importance

Under P75I, the six submarines will be designed and constructed domestically at Mazagon Dock’s Mumbai facilities with engineering and technical support from TKMS. These submarines will incorporate cutting-edge stealth features, AIP systems for extended submerged endurance, and advanced weaponry. This project is key to maintaining India’s underwater edge in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime domain.

Challenges and Delays

Despite its strategic significance, Project 75I has faced extensive delays. Initial Expression of Interest was issued in 2019 but enter negotiations took time due to technical, commercial, and procedural complexities. Final contract signing is targeted for mid-2026 if negotiations proceed smoothly. Delivery of submarines is projected six to eight years post-contract, thus operational deployment is expected closer to 2032-2034.

Ancillary Delay in Scorpene Follow-On

The follow-on order for three additional Scorpene submarines has also experienced delays, though contract processes are more advanced than P75I. These submarines continue production of a proven French-origin platform already successfully delivered in six prior units for the Navy.

Implications for India’s Naval Power

The simultaneous development of P75I and Scorpene-class submarines will significantly expand and modernize the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.
These advanced submarines are integral for India’s maritime security strategy, maritime domain awareness, and deterrence posture.
Successful execution will demonstrate India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ program, reducing reliance on imports.
The focused collaboration with global leaders TKMS and Naval Group provides technology transfer and operational expertise.

Mazagon Dock’s Readiness

Mazagon Dock has been tasked with augmenting its production capacity and infrastructure to handle the dual submarine programs concurrently. The shipbuilder has extensive experience in submarine construction, including the initial Scorpene builds, positioning it well for delivering on P75I’s demanding technical specifications.

Outlook and Next Steps

The Ministry of Defence is pushing for swift conclusion of cost negotiations.
Both submarine programs remain pivotal priorities in India’s defense procurement roadmap.
Market analysts expect firm contract awards by mid-2026, followed by ramped-up shipbuilding activity.
Long-term submarine fleet enhancement will boost India’s operational readiness and ability to safeguard its extended maritime interests.
This breaking development highlights the steady progress on one of India's most ambitious naval modernization projects, reinforcing Mazagon Dock’s critical role in national defense and underlining India’s growing strategic autonomy in high-technology weapons platforms.

Source: Reuters via Market Screener, HT, PTI, Indian Defense News, ThePrint