Project 76: Indian Navy Bets Big On “Underwater Fighters” To Project Power, Deter Massive Chinese Navy

While working on Project-75 India (P75I) and the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) program, India simultaneously initiated preliminary studies for the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under Project 76.

In a significant move to bolster its naval prowess, India has embarked on ambitious submarine acquisition and development programs. These initiatives aim to modernize the Indian Navy’s underwater fleet, enhance its strategic capabilities, and promote indigenous defense production.

Preliminary Studies For Project-76 (P-76) 

The Indian Navy has approved a major submarine construction project under Project-75 India (P-75I). This initiative involves building six advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.

While P-75I progresses, India has initiated a new, forward-looking project known as Project-76 (P-76), aiming to boost self-reliance in submarine technology. This initiative plans to develop and deliver six next-generation diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. According to reports, DRDO has begun preliminary studies for the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under P-76.

Blueprint For An Indigenous Submarine Design

This project is envisioned as a continuation of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program, focusing on developing a conventional submarine.

In December 2023, Admiral R Hari Kumar, then Chief of the Naval Staff, confirmed the existence of an indigenously designed conventional submarine program known as “P-76” during an interview with Bharat Shakti.com for the first time.

It’s important to note that Project-76 is still in the early design phase, and the name is not yet official; it is currently used as a placeholder following the naming convention of previous submarine projects, i.e., P-75 and P-75I.

These submarines will have a displacement of 4,000 tons and will feature air-independent propulsion. P-76 aims to use 80% indigenous materials, boosting India’s defense industry capabilities.

Media reports indicate that the design phase of P-76 is projected to be completed by the end of 2025, with the first prototype expected to be ready by 2030.

Distinguishing Between P-75, P-75I & P-76

To understand India’s submarine strategy, it’s crucial to differentiate between India’s submarine projects:

Project 75 (P-75): This project forms the foundation of India’s modern submarine fleet. According to Commodore Anil Jai Singh, a submarine veteran and Vice President of the Indian Maritime Foundation, “P-75 is part of a 30-year long-term plan to build six submarines in partnership with foreign manufacturers.”

Under this project, the Indian Navy is receiving six Scorpene-class submarines: INS Kalvari, INS Vela, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vagir, and INS Vagsheer.

These submarines are the result of a collaboration between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and the French defense firm Naval Group, built on successful technology transfer. Five of these submarines have been completed, with the sixth nearing completion.

Project-75 India (P-75I): P-75I represents the next phase in India’s submarine acquisition strategy. As Commodore Singh notes, “An additional six submarines will be constructed under P-75I with foreign design support.”

This project aims to build upon the experience gained from P-75 while incorporating more advanced technologies. P-75I involves the construction of six submarines in India, with design support from a foreign original equipment manufacturer. A key feature of these submarines will be the incorporation of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, significantly enhancing their underwater endurance and stealth capabilities.

Initially, Germany and Spain competed for the ₹43,000-crore Indian Navy submarine project and completed AIP system trials. Mazagon Dock’s foreign partner, Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), successfully demonstrated the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) capability on its Type 212 submarine, allowing it to remain submerged for up to two weeks.

On the other hand, Spain’s Navantia, which partnered Larsen & Toubro for Project 75I, couldn’t demonstrate a submerged AIP system, only one fitted to a surface-operating submarine.

According to naval sources, the Indian Navy has yet to officially approve Mazagon Dock to build six submarines with German collaboration.

Project-76 (P-76): P-76 will mark a significant leap towards India’s goal of self-reliance in submarine technology. It represents a program focused on developing another six fully indigenous diesel-electric submarines.

The most ambitious project, P-76, is still in the preliminary study and design phase. Actual construction is likely to commence in a few years.

Commodore Singh explains the key difference: “P-76 is a future program focused on developing fully indigenous diesel-electric submarines. P-76 will be designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in India, without any foreign collaboration.”

Why Is An Indigenous AIP System Essential? 

Air-independent propulsion (AIP) allows submarines to operate without needing atmospheric oxygen. AIP systems generate electricity to power the submarine’s electric motor and recharge its batteries, supporting propulsion, ventilation, heating, and other functions.

AIP enhances a submarine’s stealth by enabling it to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing or using a snorkel. This reduces the chance of detection and minimizes the submarine’s acoustic signature.

Unlike nuclear submarines, which use pumps that produce detectable noise, AIP-equipped diesel-electric submarines are quieter. AIP allows these submarines to undertake longer missions and perform various roles, such as intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, with greater efficiency. Additionally, AIP systems are more cost-effective compared to nuclear propulsion, offering lower operational and maintenance expenses.

India’s Nuclear Submarine Program

Parallel to conventional submarine development, India has made significant strides in its nuclear submarine program with considerable assistance from Russia.

At the end of August 2024, India commissioned its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighaat, into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.

The first submarine of this class, INS Arihant – the first nuclear submarine designed and built by India, was commissioned in August 2016.

The third submarine in this series, INS Aridhaman, was quietly launched in November 2021 and is expected to be inducted by 2025. Meanwhile, a fourth submarine, codenamed ‘S4,’ is still under construction.

Strategic Implications & Future Outlook

India’s submarine projects are pivotal to its naval modernization efforts and its pursuit of self-reliance in defense production. The Indian Navy aims to maintain a fleet of at least 30 submarines, including nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), Ship-Submersible Nuclear submarines (SSNs), and diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs). These initiatives are driven by strategic considerations, particularly the potential for two-front conflicts with Pakistan and China.

By diversifying its submarine fleet and emphasizing indigenous development, India aims to enhance its naval deterrence capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign technology.

Project 76 represents a critical step forward in enhancing India’s defense capabilities, marking a substantial push toward the indigenization of defense equipment. This initiative is a major stride in strengthening Indian naval power and updating its arsenal with homegrown technology.

source : eurasiantimes