In a decisive step to boost maritime dominance, India has approved its biggest-ever defence contract — a ₹1.06 lakh crore ($12.7 billion) deal for next-generation submarines under the ambitious Project 75I programme.
The landmark deal, expected to be finalised by next year, will see state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) lead construction of six cutting-edge diesel-electric submarines. Featuring advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, stealth upgrades, and land-attack cruise missile capabilities, these boats will transform the Indian Navy’s undersea warfare reach at a time of rising competition in the Indo-Pacific.
By Jarryd Sinovich
A Strategic Response to Regional Challenges
The move comes amid China’s growing naval footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Pakistan’s expanding submarine fleet — including Chinese-built Yuan-class subs. Naval analysts say the Project 75I submarines will serve as vital force multipliers, protecting India’s vast coastline and safeguarding key sea lanes.
“Project 75I is not just about new submarines — it’s about ensuring India’s enduring strategic advantage beneath the waves,” a senior naval official told Defence Network.
Make in India at the Core
A key pillar of the deal is its Make in India focus. The bulk of construction will take place domestically, supported by technology transfer from a foreign OEM partner. This is expected to create thousands of jobs, deepen India’s shipbuilding expertise, and energise the local defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The new fleet will complement India’s growing strategic undersea arsenal, which already includes its indigenous INS Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). Together, they will position India among a handful of countries with a modern, balanced submarine force capable of both offensive and deterrent roles.
A Long-Term Maritime Power Play
The first submarine is expected to be delivered within a decade of the contract signing, marking the start of India’s most comprehensive undersea modernisation push yet. As geopolitical rivalries intensify across the Indo-Pacific, the Project 75I fleet will strengthen India’s ability to project power, secure freedom of navigation, and uphold regional stability.
