Project 75(I) Tender: India’s Biggest Submarine Deal Sets the Stage for Global Bids

Introduction

Project 75(I) is a significant initiative by the Indian Navy aimed at enhancing its underwater capabilities by procuring six advanced diesel-electric submarines. This project is an extension of the earlier Project 75, which involved building Scorpene-class submarines. The new project seeks to incorporate advanced features such as Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, allowing submarines to stay submerged for longer periods, thereby improving stealth and operational effectiveness.

The project has encountered delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and complexities in tendering processes. However, it is crucial for bolstering India’s naval strength. The Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) comprises officials from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Indian Navy, Defence Finance, and representatives from Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL). MDL is leading the project in a strategic partnership with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany.

This initiative aligns with the Make in India policy and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, emphasising self-reliance and indigenous production. The strategic partnership model involves transferring 100% of the necessary technology to India, ensuring that the country gains comprehensive knowledge to design and build submarines independently in the future.

The importance of Project 75(I) cannot be overstated. It aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, a national initiative to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing. By involving Indian industries and ensuring a significant level of indigenous content, the project aims to build indigenous capabilities in the public and private sectors to design, develop, and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces.

Moreover, the project addresses the growing need for advanced submarines to counterbalance regional naval challenges and replenish the ageing submarine fleet of the Indian Navy. The integration of state-of-the-art technology, including AIP systems, advanced torpedoes, modern missiles, and advanced countermeasure systems, will significantly boost India’s underwater capabilities.

How to Apply

The application process for Project 75(I) involves several steps:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) issues an EOI to invite potential Indian partners and foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to participate in the project.
2. Request for Proposal (RFP): Shortlisted Indian partners and OEMs receive an RFP detailing the project’s requirements, terms, and conditions.
3. Submission of Proposals: Interested parties submit their proposals, including technical and commercial bids, to the MoD.
4. Evaluation and Selection: The MoD evaluates the proposals based on various criteria, including technical capabilities, cost, and compliance with the project’s objectives. The selected partners then proceed to the cost negotiation and contract finalisation stages.

Eligible Entities for Project 75(I) Tenders

1. Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Entities like Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and other state-owned shipyards.
2. Indian Partners: Public and private sector companies with experience in defence manufacturing and the capability to undertake complex submarine construction projects. Examples include Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
3. Foreign OEMs: Reputed international companies with expertise in submarine design and construction. The five foreign OEMs shortlisted for Project 75(I) include:
   • Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (South Korea)
   • Naval Group (France)
   • Navantia (Spain)
   • Rosoboronexport (Russia)
   • ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS, Germany)
4. Private Indian Shipyards: Qualified private shipbuilding companies in India that meet the criteria set by the Ministry of Defence.
5. International Defence Companies: Foreign defence companies with strategic partnerships or technology transfer agreements with Indian entities, such as ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
6. Joint Ventures and Consortiums: Collaborations between Indian and international companies that can leverage combined expertise and resources to meet the project’s requirements.

Conclusion

Project 75(I) is a crucial step towards enhancing India’s underwater capabilities and achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. By involving both Indian and international partners, the project aims to leverage global expertise while building indigenous capabilities. The successful implementation of Project 75(I) will not only strengthen the Indian Navy but also contribute significantly to the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.