The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is preparing to submit a proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval in order to design and develop an indigenous conventional submarine, as the agreement to purchase six new diesel-electric submarines moves into the contract negotiation stage.
Through Project-76, which focuses on building conventional submarines, the DRDO is moving forward with its intentions for developing submarines domestically. The project is presently in the design stage, and the first submarine is anticipated to be prepared for sea trials in 2037–2038. This timeframe shows a strong commitment to strengthening India’s naval capabilities in response to the dynamics of regional security, especially with regard to China.
According to an official who wished to remain anonymous, “the interministerial consultation is ongoing and it should be ready for CCS approval in the next two months.” It is anticipated that the design phase will take two to three years after approval, followed by five years for construction. Therefore, it is anticipated that the first submarine will arrive in around eight years.
The CCS is anticipated to approve the indigenous submarine proposal within the next couple of months. This approval is crucial for moving forward with the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), which are part of a broader strategy to bolster India’s underwater combat capabilities.
The DRDO’s Project-76 aims to incorporate substantial indigenous content, including advanced technologies such as Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) and lithium-ion batteries, enhancing the operational efficiency and stealth of the submarines. The design phase is expected to be completed by 2028, with construction likely commencing thereafter.
The project is targeting 90% to 95% indigenous content, which includes major systems such as weapons, missiles, combat management systems, sonars, communications, electronic warfare suites, mast, and periscope. Only a few components like certain chips and electronics will need to be imported. The submarines under Project-76 will feature weapons systems, combat management systems, and sonar technologies. This initiative reflects India’s ongoing efforts towards self-reliance in defence production.
Project-76 is an extension of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program, which has already produced the nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) of the Arihant series. This new project is a component of the Indian Navy’s larger 30-year submarine construction program.
The growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean, which has sparked worries about regional security, is the backdrop against which these submarines are being developed. The Indian Navy is seeking to expand its fleet with nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) that can function more effectively and covertly against possible threats. The Indian Navy currently has two SSNs in service.
Major progress is anticipated over the next ten years, and the DRDO’s proposal for indigenous submarines is set to be approved by CCS. An important milestone in India’s maritime strategy and defense capability self-sufficiency could be reached by 2037–2038 when the first submarine under this plan goes into service.
In order to strengthen India’s defense capabilities and lessen dependency on foreign producers for submarine technology, this project is an essential step. It is intended to strengthen India’s marine capabilities and guarantee a strong domestic defense sector.
The Defense Ministry Establishes a High-Level Committee to Increase Domestic Production of Fighter Jets
A high-level committee was recently established by the Indian Defense Ministry to increase the country’s production of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) jets, with a particular emphasis on the TEJAS MK-1A type. This action is a component of India’s larger plan to strengthen its defense manufacturing capacity as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” program.
The Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are represented on the committee, which is chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Its main objective is to evaluate existing production capabilities, pinpoint limitations, and investigate strategies for boosting private sector involvement in the production of these jets.
TEJAS MK-1A jets are presently being produced by HAL at plants in Bangalore and Nashik. However, problems with General Electric’s jet engine supply have caused deliveries to be delayed.
The committee wants to increase private sector participation, which is essential considering HAL’s sizable order book and the requirement for on-time delivery. For jets, HAL currently outsources a large portion of its work to the private sector; firms such as MTAR Hyderabad, Indo MIM Bangalore, L&T, Godrej, and Azad Engineering are already working on these projects.
It is anticipated that the private sector’s participation in the TEJAS MK-1A jets’ production will improve manufacturing capacity and alleviate production limitations, hence improving the delivery schedule.
Major assemblies for the TEJAS MK-1A, including the wings, rear fuselage, center fuselage, and front fuselage, are already being manufactured by private companies. HAL will be able to more effectively meet its production goals thanks to this outsourcing, possibly lowering
HAL can concentrate on final assembly and integration by outsourcing components, which shortens the time needed to deliver finished aircraft. The amount of time spent on the assembly floor is reduced since private companies can deliver portions that are ready for assembly.
The private sector’s involvement in producing other components guarantees that airframes are prepared for engine integration once engines become available, even though GE’s engine supply problems continue to be a major obstacle. When problems with engine supply are fixed, this preparedness will assist speed up delivery.
The government is also considering setting up a new production line that could be managed by a private sector player. Additionally, for the next-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, significant private sector involvement is planned through a special purpose vehicle involving HAL and other partners.
The Indian Air Force has initiated a proposal for acquiring an additional 97 TEJAS MK-1A jets, with an Acceptance of Necessity approved and a Request for Proposal issued. This underscores the importance of ramping up production to meet growing demands.
The move comes as India seeks to modernise its air force amidst rapid advancements by neighbouring countries like China, which has recently tested sixth-generation stealth jets.
In order to fill the IAF’s capability shortcomings, the panel must suggest a plan that involves modernizing and growing the jet fleet. These goals are supported by the AMCA, which will constitute a key component of the IAF’s combat capabilities in the future. The panel’s actions could help the AMCA’s strategic placement within the IAF’s future plans by guaranteeing a thorough approach to modernization.
The AMCA program’s objectives are in line with the panel’s focus on indigenous design and development projects. Any push for indigenous capabilities is expected to boost the development and manufacturing of the AMCA, which is India’s most ambitious indigenous combat aircraft development endeavor.
The panel’s report will help prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively. Given the AMCA’s strategic importance and the recent CCS approval with significant funding, it is likely that the panel will ensure continued support for the AMCA program as part of its broader strategy to enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities.
The AMCA program is designed to leverage private sector expertise extensively, similar to the approach being considered for enhancing TEJAS production. The panel’s focus on indigenous development could further emphasize the role of private companies in supporting the AMCA’s development and production phases.
The primary goal of the high-level panel that the Defence Ministry established, which is chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, is to address the Indian Air Force’s significant capability gaps, such as the lack of fighter jets. Although the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is not specifically the focus of the panel, its overarching objectives may have an indirect impact on the AMCA’s future development.
Despite advancements, India still has trouble delivering domestic aircraft on schedule. The need for enhanced production capacities is demonstrated by the fact that the first batch of TEJAS aircraft, which were ordered in 2009–2010, have not yet been delivered in full.
This committee’s creation demonstrates India’s dedication to strengthening its domestic defense manufacturing capacity, especially in the vital field of fighter aircraft manufacture.
