{{Short description|Planned class of submarines}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Use Indian English|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox ship | infobox_caption = Project-76 |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = Naval Ensign of India.svg | image_caption = }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview | name = P76-class submarines | builders = | operators = {{navy|India}} | class_before = {{sclass2|Project 75I|submarine|4||}} | cost = {{INRConvert|70000|c|lk=on|year=2025}} | built_range = | in_service_range = | in_commission_range = | total_ships_building = | total_ships_planned = 12 | total_ships_completed = | total_ships_active = | total_ships_laid_up = | total_ships_lost = | total_ships_retired = | total_ships_preserved = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = | type = Attack submarine | tonnage = | displacement = 3,000 tonnes | length = | beam = | height = | draft = | depth = | power = | propulsion = *Diesel-electric propulsion *Air-independent propulsion (AIP) | speed = | range = | endurance = | test_depth = | complement = | sensors = | EW = | armament = Heavyweight torpedoes and land-attack cruise missiles | armor = | notes = }} }}
'''Project-76''', also referred to as '''P76''', is an initiative by India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy (IN). The submarine is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).<ref name="TP76">{{Cite news |author=Snehesh Alex Phillip |date=2022-07-18 |title=India's submarine plans hit by dwindling fleet as Navy decommissions INS Sindhudhvaj |url=https://theprint.in/defence/indias-submarine-plans-hit-by-dwindling-fleet-as-navy-decommissions-ins-sindhudhvaj/1043167/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |newspaper=The Print |location=New Delhi}}</ref>
== Background == In 1997, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) - the highest-decision making body of India's Ministry of Defence (MoD), approved the construction of two Type 209/1500 attack submarines (SSK) at a then-estimated cost of INR ₹700 crore. This effort, which was conceived in the wake of an international corruption scandal related to India's acquisition of the ''Shishumar''-class submarines, called for the construction of two Type 209/1500 SSKs at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) with the assistance of a foreign naval firm in a corroborative role. In accordance with the scheme, the Indian Navy (IN) and MDL approached several naval enterprises for assistance; however, the French-based Thomson-CSF (TCSF) was the only firm willing to participate.<ref name="SSK History2">{{Cite web |title=Undue favour to vendor in acquisition of submarines - Ministry Of Defence - Public Accounts Committee (2009-10) |url=https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/64525/1/15_Public_Accounts_10.pdf |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225085545/https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/64525/1/15_Public_Accounts_10.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-25 |website=eparlib.nic.in}}</ref>
Two years later, on 12 July 1999, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a two-phase plan to build 24 submarines over a span of 30 years.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Submarine Construction Project |date=2014-12-12 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=113213®=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-01-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110165601/https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=113213®=3&lang=2 |archive-date=2026-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-18 |title=Navy seeks amendment to 30-year submarine plan, wants six nuclear boats |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-seeks-amendment-to-30-year-submarine-plan-wants-six-nuclear-boats-101621307478586.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110055552/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-seeks-amendment-to-30-year-submarine-plan-wants-six-nuclear-boats-101621307478586.html |archive-date=2026-01-10 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The plan was named 'Project for Series Construction of Submarines for the Indian Navy and Acquisition of National Competence in Submarine Building', also referred as 'Submarine-building Perspective Plan'. For the first phase, six submarines each were to be built at MDL under Project 75 (P-75) along with a parallel production line of another public/private shipyard<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2018 |title=24 Submarines in 30 Years? |url=https://www.spsnavalforces.com/story/?id=257 |website=www.spsnavalforces.com}}</ref> under Project-75 (India) or P-75(I) with technology transfer. Under the second phase, twelve submarines would be built including complete indigenous design, development and construction of submarines in India.<ref name="SSK History2" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=2021-11-10 |title=MDL Delivers 4th Scorpene Submarine to the Indian Navy |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/mdl-delivers-4th-scorpene-submarine-to-the-indian-navy/ |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> While the first phase was scheduled for completion within 2012, the second phase would be executed in 2012–2030.<ref name=":6" />
For the '''Project-75''', two options emerged. The first being construction of the Type 209/1500 at MDL initially with the combat suite of TCSF with the rest being based on modified ''Scorpène'' submarine design based on Naval requirements. The second option recommended the construction of all the SSKs based on the newer ''Scorpène'' design. Ultimately, the Naval Heqadquarters chose the latter, reasoning that the ''Scorpène'', which had been offered with a provision of technology transfer (TOT), was more advanced than the Type 209/1500. The initial plan to ally with TCSF was dropped in April 2001 and negotiations for the procurement of the ''Scorpène'' design under the first phase, dubbed Project-75 (P-75), began in November 2001. The ''Scorpène'' design was offered by another French-based naval firm, Armaris (later DCNS, now Naval Group).<ref name="SSK History2" /> The P-75 contract signed on 6 October 2005<ref name="thbl-20feb062">{{cite news |date=20 February 2006 |title=Envisaging more defence ties |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/Envisaging-more-defence-ties/article20199367.ece |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430015835/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/Envisaging-more-defence-ties/article20199367.ece |archive-date=30 April 2018 |work=The Hindu Business Line |language=en}}</ref> resulted in the construction of six {{Sclass|Kalvari|submarine|1|5=2015}}s<ref name=":0" /> beginning 23 May 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-01-10 |title=First of six Scorpene subs country bought in 2005 to be commissioned |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/first-of-six-scorpene-subs-country-bought-in-2005-to-be-commissioned/articleshow/56432661.cms |access-date=2026-01-10 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The final unit, {{INS|Vagsheer|S26}}, was commissioned in January 2025.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=2025-01-15 |title=PM Modi commissions INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer: Key points |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-departs-for-mumbai-to-dedicate-naval-combatants-inaugurate-iskcon-temple/articleshow/117251565.cms |access-date=2025-01-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
Though the second batch of six submarines, under '''Project-75 (India)''', was to be executed simultaneously alongside P-75, financial constraints within the MoD led to P-75 being the only project sanctioned for six submarines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2022 |title=Scorpene Submarines — An Edge for Indian Navy's Submarine Fleet Build-up |url=https://www.spsnavalforces.com/story/?id=804&h=Scorpene-Submarines-An-Edge-for-Indian-Navys-Submarine-Fleet-Build-up |website=www.spsnavalforces.com}}</ref> Proposals to move ahead with the acquisition failed twice after the project was approved in 2010 and 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=2010-07-11 |title=Biggest military deal: Six subs for Rs 50,000 crore |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Biggest-military-deal-Six-subs-zfor-Rs-50000-crore/articleshow/6152862.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110082616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Biggest-military-deal-Six-subs-zfor-Rs-50000-crore/articleshow/6152862.cms |archive-date=2026-01-10 |access-date=2026-01-10 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2014-10-26 |title=6 Made-in-India Submarines for Navy for 53,000 Crores |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-made-in-india-submarines-for-navy-for-53-000-crores-684137 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110083151/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-made-in-india-submarines-for-navy-for-53-000-crores-684137 |archive-date=2026-01-10 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Following delays, the Navy mandated the presence of an operational air-independent propulsion (AIP) plant with the submarine design. This was done to maintain the submarine's relevance in future as the boats' induction timeline was already delayed to 2022.<ref name=":9" /><ref name="financialexpress.com">{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Huma |date=9 March 2015 |title=Narendra Modi government shortlists Larsen & Toubro, Pipavav for Rs 60,000 crore submarine contract |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/govt-shortlists-larsen-toubro-pipavav-for-rs-6000-cr-submarine-contract/51455/ |work=The Financial Express}}</ref> The third approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Indian Minister of Defence, was accorded in January 2019.<ref>{{cite news |date=31 January 2019 |title=Government clears Rs 40,000 crore project to construct six submarines |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-navy-submarines-defence-ministry-dac-nirmala-sitharaman-5563576/ |work=The Indian Express |language=en-IN |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=MoD approves construction of 6 submarines for 40K crore |url=https://www.deccanherald.com//india/mod-approves-construction-six-715943.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> In January 2025, the bid by Larsen & Toubro to build {{Sclass|S-80 Plus|submarine}}, in collaboration with Spain's Navantia, was disqualified.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2025-01-22 |title=Defence Ministry finds L&T proposal non-compliant in Rs 70,000 crore submarine deal |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/defence-ministry-finds-lampt-proposal-non-compliant-in-rs-70000-crore-submarine-deal20250122221402 |access-date=2025-01-23 |work=ANI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-23 |title=Mazagon Dock shares rise 6% as defence ministry accepts bid for P75 submarine project |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/company-stock/story/mazagon-dock-shares-rise-bid-for-rs-70000-cr-submarine-project-461822-2025-01-23 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> Mazagon Dock's partnership with TKMS remained the only bidder who were thereafter invited for techno-commercial negotiations with the Indian Ministry of Defence.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2025-01-24 |title=Defence ministry to hold talks with Mazagon Docks, German co for 6 submarines |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ministry-of-defence-to-hold-talks-with-mazagon-docks-german-co-for-6-submarines/articleshow/117499750.cms |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Negotiations were reported to have begun in July 2025<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last=Bhattacharjya |first=Satarupa |last2=Kumar |first2=Bhaswar |date=2025-07-27 |title=India eyes stealth edge with new submarines amid China's growing presence |url=https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/navy-could-get-new-stealthy-submarines-125072700408_1.html |access-date=2025-07-28 |work=Business Standard}}</ref> while the deal could be signed in January 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-12-01 |title=India hopes to seal submarine contract with Germany this fiscal, MDL pares down cost ‘significantly’ |url=https://theprint.in/defence/india-hopes-to-seal-submarine-contract-with-germany-this-fiscal-mdl-pares-down-cost-significantly/2795549/ |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-07 |title=India, Germany set to cement biggest military contract to make six subs |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/india-germany-set-to-cement-biggest-military-contract-to-make-six-subs/ |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
The second phase of the plan was amended midway to maintain the relevance of the submarine fleets as per evolving threats.<ref name=":6" /> The program to construct and deploy a fleet of nuclear submarines was first envisaged in late 1990s was fast-tracked following growing patrols by the People's Liberation Army Navy ships. This included a solitary two-month "anti-piracy" patrol by a Type 093 submarine in the Indian Ocean before returning to Yulin Naval Base on 13 December 2013. On 12 February 2014, R&AW evaluations described the deployment as having significantly intensified India’s security concerns.<ref name=":33">{{cite news |last1=Unnithan |first1=Sandeep |date=10 December 2017 |title=A peek into India's top secret and costliest defence project, nuclear submarines |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20171218-india-ballistic-missile-submarine-k-6-submarine-launched-drdo-1102085-2017-12-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420153439/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20171218-india-ballistic-missile-submarine-k-6-submarine-launched-drdo-1102085-2017-12-10 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The Navy has already acquired experience of operating nuclear submarines after leasing of {{INS|Chakra|1987}} and {{INS|Chakra|2011}} for three and nine years, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |date=3 July 2008 |title=India to get Russian nuclear submarine after 17 years |url=http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10800&issueid=67 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222024636/http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10800&issueid=67 |archive-date=22 December 2008 |access-date=19 December 2014 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2012-04-04 |title=INS Chakra: Govt inducts Russian-origin Akula II class Nerpa into Navy |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/ins-chakra-govt-inducts-8000-ton-russian-origin-akula-ii-class-nerpa-into-navy/articleshow/12526102.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407070809/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/ins-chakra-govt-inducts-8000-ton-russian-origin-akula-ii-class-nerpa-into-navy/articleshow/12526102.cms |archive-date=2012-04-07 |access-date=2012-10-04 |newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy's Only Nuclear Attack Submarine Returns To Russia Before Lease Expires |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/navys-only-nuclear-attack-submarine-ins-chakra-returns-to-russia-before-lease-expires-2456368 |access-date=2021-06-09 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The force has also ordered a third ''Chakra'' submarine for a lease of 10 years starting 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |date=5 March 2019 |title=India, Russia To Sign $3 Billion Nuclear Sub Deal This Week |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/india-russia-to-sign-3-billion-nuclear-sub-deal-this-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305145949/https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/india-russia-to-sign-3-billion-nuclear-sub-deal-this-week/ |archive-date=5 March 2019 |access-date=6 March 2019 |website=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pubby |first1=Manu |date=4 March 2019 |title=India, Russia to ink $3 billion nuclear submarine deal this week |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-russia-to-ink-3-billion-nuclear-submarine-deal-this-week/articleshow/68248638.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304231035/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-russia-to-ink-3-billion-nuclear-submarine-deal-this-week/articleshow/68248638.cms |archive-date=4 March 2019 |access-date=6 March 2019 |website=The Economic Times |location=New Delhi}}</ref> The submarine is expected to be delivered to India in 2028 following delays.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |date=5 March 2019 |title=India, Russia To Sign $3 Billion Nuclear Sub Deal This Week |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/india-russia-to-sign-3-billion-nuclear-sub-deal-this-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305145949/https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/india-russia-to-sign-3-billion-nuclear-sub-deal-this-week/ |archive-date=5 March 2019 |access-date=6 March 2019 |website=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-12-04 |title=Govt fact checks report claiming India, Russia sealed USD 2-billion submarine deal |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-russia-seal-2-billion-submarine-deal-ahead-of-vladimir-putins-delhi-visit-2830622-2025-12-04 |access-date=2026-01-06 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
In February 2015, the Government of India through a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval, gave rise to another indigenous submarine project — the '''Project 75 Alpha''' (now Project 77). A fleet of six nuclear attack submarines, with a displacement of 6,000 tonnes, were to be built under the project.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |date=18 February 2015 |title=Government clears construction of 7 stealth frigates, 6 nuclear-powered attack submarines |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-clears-construction-of-7-stealth-frigates-6-nuclear-powered-attack-submarines/articleshow/46282586.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 April 2015 |newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> The design phase had begun by December 2017<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Unnithan |first1=Sandeep |date=10 December 2017 |title=A peek into India's top secret and costliest defence project, nuclear submarines |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20171218-india-ballistic-missile-submarine-k-6-submarine-launched-drdo-1102085-2017-12-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420153439/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20171218-india-ballistic-missile-submarine-k-6-submarine-launched-drdo-1102085-2017-12-10 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> with constructions to commence by 2023–24 and first unit to enter service in 2032.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-31 |title=INS Arighaat: How a second nuclear submarine boosts India’s strategic reach |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ins-arighaat-how-a-second-nuclear-submarine-boosts-indias-strategic-reach-2591300-2024-08-31 |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The preliminary design phase was completed by February 2020.<ref name="ETfeb2020">{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=2020-02-21 |title=India's Rs 1.2 lakh crore nuclear submarine project closer to realisation |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-rs-1-2-l-cr-n-submarine-project-closer-to-realisation/articleshow/74234776.cms |access-date=2020-02-23 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> In October 2024, the CCS cleared the construction of first two units in the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam, of the Ministry of Defence where the {{Sclass|Arihant|submarine}}s were built.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-09 |title=India clears two mega defence projects for 2 indigenous nuclear submarines & 31 Predator drones |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-clears-two-mega-defence-projects-for-2-indigenous-nuclear-submarines-31-predator-drones/articleshow/114095147.cms |access-date=2024-10-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The displacement was increased to 9,800 tonnes<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-14 |title=Navy setting up base to control submarines on long-range patrols |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/navy-sets-up-base-to-control-submarines-on-long-range-patrols/articleshow/114196990.cms |access-date=2024-10-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and equipped with 200 MWe-rated nuclear reactor.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |title=Bhabha Atomic Research Centre making reactor for Navy's next-generation nuclear-submarines |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bhabha-atomic-research-centre-making-reactor-for-navys-next-generation-nuclear-submarines/articleshow/124005864.cms |access-date=2025-09-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
With the approval of the Project 77, the number of boats under '''Project-76''' was reduced to six units. The design was expected to inherit elements from the Project-75 and Project-75(I) designs.<ref name=":6" /> The development was cleared by defence ministry in June 2024 followed by a feasibility study conducted by DRDO.<ref name=":11" /> An approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the further detailed design of the submarine is due as of February 2025.<ref name=":12" />
Both Project 76 and Project 77 are being led by the Advanced Technology Vessel headquarters which is responsible for the development and construction of India's nuclear-powered, ballistic missile submarine fleet including {{Sclass|Arihant|submarine|4}} and {{Sclass|S5|submarine}}s.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> While the final two submarines from the ''Arihant'' class is expected to be commissioned in early 2026 and 2027, respectively, the construction of first two units of S5 submarines has also begun in the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shivani |last2=Negi |first2=Manjeet |date=2025-12-02 |title=Navy to get INS Aridhaman, third Indian-made nuclear submarine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ins-aridaman-third-indian-made-nuclear-submarine-to-be-commissioned-soon-navy-chief-2829303-2025-12-02 |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-29 |title=CHAKRA EXCLUSIVE: India's fourth SSBN sails out for sea trials |url=https://chakranewz.com/critical-technologies/trending/chakra-exclusive-india-rsquo-s-fourth-ssbn-sails-out-for-sea-trials |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Chakranewz |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=2026-01-05 |title=Arihant class nuclear-powered submarine S4* likely to be named INS Arisudan |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arihant-class-nuclear-powered-submarine-s4-likely-to-be-named-ins-arisudan-101767555406284.html |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
== Development == Naval Design Bureau, under the command of Director General (Naval Design) was working on diesel-electric submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) in 2022.<ref name="TP76" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=2022-08-18 |title=Will India's New Submarine Fleet Be Ready by 2030? |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/will-india%E2%80%99s-new-submarine-fleet-be-ready-2030-204272 |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=The National Interest |language=en}}</ref>
On 25 August 2023, Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) signed a memorandum of understanding with Directorate of Naval Design (Submarine Design Group) for collaboration in R&D of technology and equipment for submarine applications.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1698558429097562399 |user=MazagonDockLtd |title=#MoU between #MDL & DND-SDG for Collaboration in R&D of Technology & Equipment for Submarine Applications. |date=2023-09-04 |access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2025-09-15 |title=Indian Navy’s indigenous submarine programs gather steam |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/09/indian-navys-indigenous-submarine-programs-gather-steam/ |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref>
In July 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) started a one-year feasibility study on the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under Project-76. The defence ministry had cleared the project to calculate the "contours". This programme has been taken up on the lines of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. Following the study a formal case will be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for project sanction. The design would include a high indigenous content including missiles, armament, sonar, communication equipment suite, mast and periscope. The design will also include the DRDO-developed AIP module for the {{Sclass|Kalvari|submarine|1|5=2015}}s. However, the AIP module's current power output of {{Convert|13.5|kW|abbr=on}} would be scaled up to {{Convert|20|kW|abbr=on}} in order to meet the power outputs of future P76 design. The overall AIP is a stack of 24 phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC).<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-06-30 |title=DRDO takes up preliminary study on development of indigenous conventional submarine |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-takes-up-preliminary-study-on-development-of-indigenous-conventional-submarine/article68352888.ece |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The module also includes an on-board Hydrogen generation system.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |title=DRDO and L&T join hands for Realisation of Indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System for Submarines of Indian Navy |url=https://www.larsentoubro.com/pressreleases/2023/2023-06-22-drdo-and-lt-join-hands-for-realisation-of-indigenous-air-independent-propulsion-aip-system-for-submarines-of-indian-navy/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=www.larsentoubro.com |language=en}}</ref>
The activation of the programme was part of the 100-day Action Plan of the Ministry of Defence (MoD)<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Shri Rajnath Singh assumes charge as Raksha Mantri for the second consecutive term |date=2024-06-13 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025004®=3&lang=1 |quote=Immediately after assumption of charge, Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a review meeting on the first 100 days’ Action Plan of MoD under the new government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. |access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref> following the formation of new government.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-11 |title=MDL surges ahead in India's Rs 60,000 crore submarine project after clearing key trials |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/mdl-surges-ahead-in-indias-rs-60000-crore-submarine-project-after-clearing-key-trials/articleshow/112448280.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2026-01-10 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2024-04-04 |title=Indian Navy team in Germany to inspect AIP tech for new submarines, Spain next |url=https://theprint.in/defence/indian-navy-team-in-germany-to-inspect-aip-tech-for-new-submarines-spain-next/2027506/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250628150504/https://theprint.in/defence/indian-navy-team-in-germany-to-inspect-aip-tech-for-new-submarines-spain-next/2027506/ |archive-date=2025-06-28 |access-date=2026-01-10 |work=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
As of February 2025, development proposal for the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval would be ready by 2 months. The inter-ministerial consultation was underway. Post approval, two to three years would be required for design phase followed by five years for construction and induction. The submarines would be equipped with torpedo tube-launched land-attack cruise missiles and displace 3,000 tonnes. The indigenous content is expected to be 90-95%. Imports will only include some chips, electronics, and tubes.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2025-02-22 |title=DRDO indigenous submarine proposal to go for CCS approval in couple of months; eight years for first sub |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-indigenous-submarine-proposal-to-go-for-ccs-approval-in-couple-of-months-eight-years-for-first-sub/article69251317.ece |access-date=2025-02-22 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The submarine will include indigenous weapon control systems and lithium-ion batteries. The construction of the first submarine would begin in 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-14 |title=Next Generation Submarine – Project 76 |url=https://www.spsnavalforces.com/experts-speak/?id=778&h=Next-Generation-Submarine-Project-76 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=www.spsnavalforces.com}}</ref> This feature is unique to this design.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 January 2023|title=Scorpene subs to be retro-fitted with the DRDO's air-independent propulsion (AIP), under Naval Group's oversight|url=https://www.ajaishukla.com/2023/01/scorpene-subs-to-be-retro-fitted-with.html|website=www.ajaishukla.com|quote=The AIP developed by the NMRL is called “fuel cell based AIP” and is unique in generating its requirement of hydrogen onboard.}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=2021-03-09|title=Fuel Cell based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Crosses Important Milestone of User Specific Tests|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1703456&s=08|access-date=2024-12-30|work=Press Information Bureau|quote=While there are different types of AIP systems being pursued internationally, fuel cell-based AIP of NMRL is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard.}}</ref>
The development is scheduled for completion by 2026–27 followed by construction of first submarine in 6–7 years and all six to be delivered within ten years. A 15-year roadmap, named Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2025 (TPCR-25), unveiled development multiple key components for an Indigenous Conventional Submarine.<ref name=":10" /> Meanwhile, MDL and Larsen & Toubro have demonstrated ''Arowana'' and SOV-400, respectively. MDL is also reportedly undertaken simultaneous design and development of full-scale indigenous conventional submarine by 2028.<ref name=":10" />
==See also== '''References to the Indian Navy''' * Submarines of the Indian Navy * Future of the Indian Navy
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Ship classes of the Indian Navy}} {{Submarines of the Indian Navy}}
Category:Attack submarines Category:Submarine classes Category:Submarines of the Indian Navy Category:Larsen & Toubro