India eyes stealth edge with new subs

Advanced Project 75(I) seen as urgent amid China's growing presence in Indian Ocean

- SATARUPA BHATTACHARJYA & BHASWAR KUMAR

The Indian Navy would get nine new advanced submarines in the coming years if the proposal is cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), according to a government source with knowledge of the matter.

While the CCS will have the final say, the Navy, the source said, is keen to buy the advanced submarines with enhanced stealth capability under the Project 75 (India), or P75(I) programme.

Six such submarines, estimated to cost between ₹90,000 crore and ₹1 trillion, would comprise the first purchase batch. Three additional submarines would be ordered a year after the main contract is signed, in line with the 2020 Defence Acquisition Procedure guidelines.

The Indian government is emphasising maritime security amid the People's Liberation Army Navy's expanding reach in the Indian Ocean region and Pakistan's naval activity in the Arabian Sea. India is also looking to raise its naval profile as a member of the Quad, the security grouping comprising itself, the US, Japan and Australia.