SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Navy is evaluating Italy’s “Black Shark” torpedo as a potential solution for its Kalvari-class submarines, marking a re-emergence for this advanced heavyweight torpedo in India’s defense considerations. With a requirement for 48 new torpedoes, the Navy is conducting assessments and exploring options as several international contenders—including companies from Germany and France—vie for the contract. Notably, this interest in the Black Shark comes after the Italian company, which was previously blacklisted, has now re-entered the fray.
The Black Shark torpedo was initially evaluated for the Indian Navy in 2008 when it emerged as the leading candidate to fulfill a demand for 98 torpedoes intended to equip the Navy’s then-upcoming fleet of Scorpene-class submarines. The Black Shark, known for its long-range, high-speed performance, and advanced homing capabilities, seemed like an ideal match. However, the project faced a setback in 2013, when allegations of corruption linked to other defense deals with the same Italian company led to a comprehensive review and eventually a blacklisting by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As a result, the entire acquisition process was suspended, and the case was subsequently referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Since then, India’s defense procurement policies have undergone considerable changes, incorporating stringent anti-corruption safeguards while broadening its supplier base. With Italy’s entry back into defense relations with India, the Black Shark torpedo has been reconsidered to meet India’s urgent needs. The current proposal, which is significantly smaller in scope with 48 torpedoes instead of the original 98, could potentially reignite the Italian defense company’s role in the Indian naval landscape.
Alongside Italy, defense firms from Germany and France are actively competing for the torpedo contract. Germany’s SeaHake torpedo, which has a strong reputation for reliability and performance, and France’s F21 torpedo, developed by Naval Group, are also seen as viable options. Both competitors are well-regarded and have been widely deployed by allied naval forces worldwide.
Each torpedo has its unique selling points:
F21: France’s Naval Group, which already collaborates with India in building the Kalvari-class submarines, developed the F21 with high stealth and targeting precision, which might align well with the existing Scorpene-class systems in India.
Black Shark: Known for its quiet propulsion and multi-target engagement capabilities, it is specifically engineered to perform well in challenging underwater environments.
SeaHake: Germany’s offering, known for extended operational range and high-precision targeting, has proven itself in multiple navies across Europe and beyond.
The torpedoes under consideration are intended to arm the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines, six of which are currently operational or under construction at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. Built under India’s Project-75, the Kalvari-class submarines are based on the French Scorpene design and represent a significant enhancement to India’s underwater capabilities. Given the Kalvari’s capability to perform a range of strategic missions, from intelligence gathering to anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, the selection of torpedoes for this platform is of critical importance.
In addition to the six existing submarines, India is negotiating for three additional Kalvari-class submarines, which underscores the importance of a robust, reliable torpedo solution to support these assets over the long term. A high-quality torpedo will enhance the Kalvari-class’s combat capabilities, ensuring that they remain a formidable presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
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