Navantia’s conventional S80 submarine with AIP (above) stays submerged for up to 14 days
By Vikas Gupta
Trading Standard, June 11, 2023
A month later German submarine builder, Thyssenkruppe Marine Systems (TKMS), has signed an agreement with Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) to build six submarines for the Indian Navy, a competing partnership was announced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.
“Larsen & Toubro and Navantia on Monday signed an Association Agreement (TA) for the submission of a Technical-Commercial Bid for the Indian Navy’s prestigious Project 75-I submarine program,” the statement said. Navantia press.
Project 75(I) requires the Indian bidder to enter into a technological partnership with a foreign collaborator (FC) and build six conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP).
This contract, valued at more than 4.8 billion euros, will be one of India’s largest defense acquisition projects.
The construction of six AIP submarines would be followed by a 30-year life support contract of similar value.
“Project 75(I) is among the first programs to be processed under the Department of Defense’s Strategic Partnership (SP) acquisition model. L&T and Navantia signed a memorandum of understanding for the program on April 11 in Madrid, which has now resulted in this TA.
It is possible that the two current consortia will be joined by a third, if Russian submarine builders join forces with an Indian shipyard to form a third consortium.
AIP submarines offer major operational advantages over conventional diesel-electric submarines. These can operate underwater for up to 48 hours, after which they must surface to recharge the battery. When they surface, diesel-electric submarines are easily detected by enemy radar, which picks up masts or snorkels sticking out of the water.
AIP-piloted submarines can stay underwater for up to two weeks before surfacing to charge the battery.
Navantia’s design for Project 75 (India) submarines would most likely be based on its S80 class of submarines. The first S80 was launched in 2021 and is undergoing sea trials before delivery to the Spanish Navy at the end of 2023.
Navantia has previously worked with French shipbuilder Naval Group to design and build the Scorpéne class of submarines. Six Scorpene/ submarines were built for the Indian Navy at Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) as the Kalvari class.
According to Navantia, its “state-of-the-art, third-generation AIP is the most advanced and efficient AIP system in the world, in addition to being the most compact, easiest to operate and maintain, and environmentally friendly.” ‘environment”.
“It uses bioethanol as a source of hydrogen, which is known to be economical, readily available and requires no special infrastructure. The high density of hydrogen in ethanol improves the efficiency of the AIP system. Ethanol, being in liquid form, eliminates the risks associated with hydrogen storage. Additionally, the wide availability of ethanol allows the system to be refueled anywhere in the world,” Navantia’s press release said.
The most operationally efficient submarines are nuclear-powered, which can remain submerged indefinitely, during which time they are almost impossible to detect.
The Indian Defense R&D Organization (DRDO) is pursuing the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN). But a quiet and efficient nuclear propulsion system will take several more years to be operational.
In the meantime, the MoD announced in January that the AIP developed by the DRDO would be retrofitted into the Indian Navy’s six Scorpene submarines.
L&T and Navantia also cooperate in other shipbuilding programs, such as the construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPD) for the navy.
Says the CEO of L&T,SN Subrahmanyan: “Navantia’s 300 years of glorious shipbuilding experience and technical expertise give us a competitive advantage in this program.
They also partner for green energy opportunities, including offshore wind power through Navantia’s Seanergies division.
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Strong points:
· L&T and Navantia, Spain, today signed an Association Agreement (TA) for the submission of a Technical-Commercial Bid for the Indian Navy’s prestigious Project 75 (India) submarine program.
· THE OK was sign In THE presence of SN Subrahmanyan, Chief L&T and Mr. Augustin Alvarez Blanco from Navantia.
· Project 75 (I) requires the Indian bidder to partner with a Foreign Collaborator (FC) and perform THE program For delivery of six conventional submarines crew with air independent Propulsion (AIP), while achieving targeted native content.
- Should be rated at more than Worth €4.8 billion, the acquisition is one of India’s largest defense acquisition projects.
