SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a rapidly evolving global maritime landscape, Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding companies, has set its sights on India as a pivotal partner for co-developing and co-producing next-generation vessels. Under the leadership of CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, the Italian shipbuilding giant is keen on fostering deeper collaboration with Indian shipyards, aligning its expertise with India’s ambitious Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. This partnership aims to not only bolster India’s naval defense capabilities but also cement joint ventures that enhance maritime security and innovation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Fincantieri’s interest in India comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region is emerging as a critical theater for geopolitical stability and maritime security. With India’s strategic location and growing naval ambitions, the country presents a unique opportunity for collaboration in naval defense. Folgiero has emphasized that Fincantieri sees India not merely as a market but as a long-term partner for co-development and co-production. This approach aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, a cornerstone of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative launched by the Indian government to reduce dependency on foreign imports and foster indigenous innovation.
“India’s vision for self-reliance in defense resonates strongly with Fincantieri’s expertise in designing and building advanced naval platforms,” Folgiero stated in a recent interview. “We are committed to supporting India’s goals through technology transfer, co-development, and joint ventures that empower local shipyards and industries.”
Fincantieri brings to the table a rich legacy of over 230 years in shipbuilding, having constructed more than 7,000 vessels across commercial and military domains. The company’s expertise spans a wide spectrum, including cruise ships, offshore vessels, and state-of-the-art naval warships. Its track record in delivering cutting-edge solutions positions it as a valuable partner for India’s naval modernization efforts.
One of the key areas of collaboration highlighted by Folgiero is advancements in submarine technology. As underwater defense becomes increasingly critical in the Indo-Pacific, where strategic sea lanes and maritime boundaries are contested, India has been investing heavily in enhancing its submarine fleet. The Indian Navy’s Project 75 and Project 75I programs, aimed at building conventional submarines with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, have garnered significant attention from global players like Fincantieri.
Fincantieri’s expertise in submarine design and construction, particularly through its experience with the Italian Navy’s U212A-class submarines, makes it a strong contender to support India’s ambitions in this domain. “Underwater defense is a strategic priority for modern navies, and we believe our technology and know-how can complement India’s efforts to build a robust and self-reliant submarine fleet,” Folgiero noted. The company is open to collaborating on technology transfer and local production, ensuring that Indian shipyards like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) play a central role in the manufacturing process.
Beyond submarines, Fincantieri sees opportunities to co-develop next-generation warships, including frigates, destroyers, and patrol vessels, tailored to the Indian Navy’s operational needs. The company’s advanced solutions in propulsion systems, materials science, and modular ship design could enhance the capabilities of India’s naval platforms, enabling them to undertake long-range missions and maintain deterrence in high-threat environments.
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