Navantia, a renowned Spanish shipbuilding company, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an Indian engineering conglomerate, have joined forces to participate in the prestigious Project-75 (India) submarine program of the Indian Navy. The Teaming Agreement was signed on July 10 at the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi, marking a significant development in defense cooperation between India and Spain. The purpose of this collaboration is to jointly submit a techno-commercial bid for the construction of six conventional submarines with Air-Independent Propulsion, making it the largest defense acquisition project in India.
The signing of the Agreement
The agreement signing ceremony took place in the presence of N. Subhramanyam, the Managing Director and CEO of L&T, and Augustin Alvarez Blanco, Vice President of Naval Construction and Member of the Board at Navantia. This agreement highlights the commitment of both companies to strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to the Indian Navy’s submarine program.
Navantia’s Role
Navantia, known for its shipbuilding expertise, will take charge of designing the P75(I) submarines based on its successful S80 class of submarines. The S80 class submarines have already demonstrated their capabilities, with the first vessel launched in 2021 and currently undergoing sea trials before its delivery to the Spanish Navy by the end of 2023. Navantia has a proven track record in submarine construction, having collaborated with DCNS of France in the design and construction of the Scorpene class submarines, which were successfully exported to Chile and Malaysia. Additionally, Navantia has played a crucial role in supporting the construction of Scorpene submarines in India, providing invaluable guidance and expertise to Indian shipyards.
About Project-75(I)
Project-75(I) is a significant military acquisition initiative led by India’s Ministry of Defense. The project aims to procure diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy and simultaneously foster the growth of indigenous capabilities in the private sector. By involving private companies like L&T, Project-75(I) seeks to enhance the design, development, and construction expertise within India to meet the future requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. This project not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also stimulates the industrial and manufacturing sectors, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises involved in producing submarine-related equipment and spares.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Navantia and Larsen & Toubro for India’s Project-75(I) submarine program is a significant milestone in defense cooperation between India and Spain. Through this partnership, the two companies aim to deliver technologically advanced submarines to the Indian Navy. Successful execution of Project-75(I) will not only enhance India’s defense capabilities but also boost the country’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities, contributing to the growth of the defense industry.
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