SOURCE: AFI
Veteran submariner Commodore Shailesh Bhalachandra Jamgaonkar (Retd.), Indian Navy, assumed charge as Director (Submarine and Heavy Engineering) at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on March 25, 2025. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Mumbai-based shipyard, just one week after it commenced production of India’s first Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines. With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in the Navy’s Submarine Arm and a proven track record at MDL, Cmde Jamgaonkar is poised to steer the organization toward new heights in submarine technology and indigenous defense manufacturing.
Cmde Jamgaonkar’s journey with MDL began in September 2023, when he joined as Executive Director (Technical-East Yard) following his retirement from the Indian Navy. His rapid rise within the organization reflects his exceptional leadership and technical expertise. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director (Services) at MDL’s East Yard, where he oversaw critical operational enhancements. Now, as Director (Submarine and Heavy Engineering), he takes on a broader mandate to advance MDL’s submarine programs and heavy engineering initiatives, aligning with India’s strategic naval ambitions.
With 29 years of service in the Indian Navy’s Submarine Arm, Cmde Jamgaonkar brings a wealth of operational and technical experience to his new role. His career at sea and ashore encompassed a range of high-stakes assignments, from commanding submarines to shaping the Navy’s underwater capabilities. Notably, he played a key role in the construction and commissioning of non-conventional platforms, demonstrating his ability to manage complex engineering projects under demanding conditions.
Since joining MDL, Cmde Jamgaonkar has been a driving force behind several flagship initiatives. He has spearheaded the P75 Additional Submarines project, a critical component of India’s plan to bolster its underwater fleet with six more Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75(I). His leadership has also been instrumental in the integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems into the existing Scorpene fleet, a game-changing upgrade that extends the submarines’ underwater endurance and stealth capabilities. Additionally, he has championed the indigenization of critical submarine equipment, reducing reliance on foreign imports and strengthening India’s defense self-sufficiency.
Cmde Jamgaonkar’s appointment coincides with a landmark achievement for MDL and the Indian Navy. On March 18, 2025, the shipyard began production of its first indigenous AIP system, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and international partner Naval Group. This plug-in module, designed for the Scorpene-class submarines built under Project 75, marks a significant leap in India’s submarine technology. Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines, which must surface frequently to recharge batteries, AIP-equipped vessels can remain submerged for weeks, enhancing their operational range and survivability.
The timing of Cmde Jamgaonkar’s elevation underscores his pivotal role in this milestone. Having overseen the groundwork for AIP integration as Executive Director, he is now positioned to guide its full implementation and future iterations as Director. His hands-on experience with submarine systems and his strategic vision will be crucial as MDL scales up production and integrates the technology across the fleet.
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