Indian Navy to seek acceptance from Defence Acquisition Council for 3 AIP-equipped attack submarines

As China Navy is trying to tighten its grip in the Indo-Pacific, India plans to level up its defense with the nuclear-powered conventional weapon-armed submarines in collaboration with France on lines of the latest 4765-ton Barracuda class.

The Indian Navy will be approaching Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) over three AIP-equipped attack submarines. As per sources, the contract to build three AIP-equipped submarines will be given to MDL. MDL has previously created six Kalveri class, based on the French Scorpene class, submarines for the Indian Navy with the sixth INS Vagsheer which may be brought into the Navy before March 2024.

AIP fitted in them will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization. The testing and its validation will be done by French navel group. These AIPs will then be added in the Kalveri class submarines when they come for mid-life overhaul at MDL.