Indigenous power to submarines will heighten Indian Naval strength

New Delhi, February 1: Construction of six submarines under Project 75(I) will provide a major boost to submarine design and manufacturing ecosystem in India through the transfer of design, equipment technology & skill sets. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) also approved the acquisition of about 5000 MILAN Anti-Tank Guided Missiles for the Army. The Defence Acquisitions Council, DAC chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved indigenous construction of six submarines.

In a landmark decision, The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs. 40,000 crores. This is the second project under the MoD’s ambitious Strategic Partnership (SP) model that aims at providing a significant fillip to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ programme. The DAC also approved the acquisition of approximately 5000 Milan Anti Tank Guided Missiles for the Army. 

The model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through a transfer of niche technologies and higher Indigenous Content thereby enhancing self-sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the Armed Forces.

Yesterday’s DAC approval would be second such project following indigenous production of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters that was approved in August 2018. Construction of six submarines under Project 75(I) will provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco-system in India through a transfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill sets.