Project 75I-class submarine

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Class overview
Name: Project 75I-class (code name)
Operators:  Indian Navy
Preceded by: Kalvari-class submarine
Cost: $8.1 billion [1]
Planned: 6
Completed: 0
General characteristics
Type:Attack submarine
Propulsion:Diesel-electric and AIP
Armament:torpedo tube and VLS cells

The project 75I-class submarine is a follow on of the project 75 Kalvari-class submarine for the Indian navy.[1] under this project Indian navy intends to acquire 6 diesel-electric submarines. Submarines in this class will also feature advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System which will enable them to stay submerged for longer duration and increasing its operational range substantially.[1][2] In October 2014, the project got clearance from Defence Acquisition Council.[3] All six submarines are expected to be constructed in Indian shipyards.[2]

History

On September 2010 Indian navy issued a Request for Information (RFI) to foreign shipyards for 6 diesel-electric submarines. According to original RFI Indian navy intended to purchase two submarines directly from the foreign vendor and four licence-build from chosen locaI Indian shipyards in order to save time.[4] Acceptance of Necessity was accorded to the project by Defence Acquisition Council in August 2011. In December 2014 new government fast forwarded the process of bidding process for Project 75I due to the mounting concerns over Increasing People's Liberation Army Navy activities Indian ocean region[1][5] and diminishing submarine strength of the Indian navy.[6] Later it was decided to construct all six submarines in indian shipyards in accord with make in india initiative of the government.

Design

project 75I-class submarine will have vertical launch system(VLS), which will enable them to carry multiple Brahmos supersonic cruise missile making the submarines fully capable to do anti-surface and anti-ship warfare missions. submarines will also feature advanced stealth capabilities such as greater ability to suppress noise and acoustics signature.[3] Submarines will also be outfitted with Air-independent propulsion (AIP) fuel cells which can significantly increase submerged endurance and operational range.[7]

Progress

After years of delay[4] in October 2014, Project 75l was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council. 53,000 crore was allocated in order to acquire 6 advanced attack submarines.[3] During the bidding process a high-level committee was set up by Ministry of Defence (MoD) to inspect and assess the capabilities of different local shipyards to undertake the building of six submarines and the committee Shortlisted 5 shipyards.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Project 75(I)".
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Narendra Modi government shortlists Larsen & Toubro, Pipavav for Rs 60,000 crore submarine contract".
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "6 Made-in-India Submarines for Navy for 53,000 Crores".
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Delays force Indian Navy to shake up Project 75I submarine plans".
  5. ↑ "Chinese submarine docks in Sri Lanka despite Indian concerns".
  6. ↑ "A powerful surface navy lacks sub punch".
  7. ↑ "A look at the Indian Navy's Project 75I tender to #MakeinIndia six diesel-electric submarines".
  8. ↑ "5 shipyards earmarked for Rs 53,000 crore sub project".