India has completed an important defence project with the construction of six Scorpene-class submarines for the Indian Navy. The project, developed through a partnership between India and France, has helped the country improve its ability to build advanced submarines.
All six submarines under Project 75 have now joined the Indian Navy. The programme has also helped Indian engineers, shipbuilders and defence companies gain valuable experience in submarine construction.
India and France Started the Project in 2005
The Scorpene submarine programme began in October 2005 when India and France signed an agreement to build six submarines.
The submarines were constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai with technical support from the French company DCNS, now known as Naval Group.
The agreement included the transfer of technology from France to India.
This allowed Indian engineers and technicians to learn advanced submarine-building methods while working on the project.
The main aim was not only to build six submarines but also to help India develop the skills needed to manufacture submarines independently in the future.
Building Submarines Requires Advanced Technology
Submarine construction is one of the most difficult areas of shipbuilding.
Unlike ordinary ships, submarines must operate deep underwater and withstand high water pressure.
They also require advanced safety systems, accurate engineering and special technology to operate quietly underwater.
Through Project 75, Indian shipbuilders gained experience in handling these complex requirements.
The programme also created opportunities for Indian defence companies to supply equipment, parts and other systems.
This has helped strengthen India’s domestic defence manufacturing industry.
INS Kalvari Was the First Submarine
The first submarine built under Project 75 was INS Kalvari.
It was launched at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai on October 27, 2015.
After completing several tests and sea trials, INS Kalvari officially joined the Indian Navy on December 14, 2017.
Over the following years, five more Scorpene-class submarines were built and delivered.
The sixth and final submarine, INS Vagsheer, was delivered to the Indian Navy on January 9, 2025.
It was officially commissioned on January 15, 2025, completing the six-submarine programme.
Project Helps India’s Defence Manufacturing
The Scorpene programme has become an important example of cooperation between India and France in the defence sector.
Apart from strengthening the Indian Navy, the project has helped India develop skilled workers, modern manufacturing facilities and technical knowledge.
Indian companies are also gaining experience in developing and supplying submarine-related equipment.
With all six submarines now in service, India can use the knowledge gained from Project 75 to support future submarine programmes.
The project marks an important step towards India’s goal of building more advanced defence equipment within the country and reducing its dependence on foreign technology.
