SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its submarine fleet, with plans to retire its Shishumar-class submarines once newer vessels from Project-75I begin to join the service from 2033 onwards. This strategic decision was highlighted by naval officials in discussions with idrw.org, marking a pivotal shift in the Navy’s underwater capabilities.
Currently, the Indian Navy operates a quartet of Shishumar-class submarines, which are based on the German Type 209 design. These submarines have been a vital part of India’s naval strength since their commissioning between 1986 and 1994.
The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), has assured continuous support for the next 15 years should the Navy choose to extend its service life. This includes ongoing upgrades, with recent contracts awarded to enhance the submarines’ operational capabilities.
The introduction of submarines under Project-75I, which involves building six advanced submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, is slated to commence in 2033. Alongside the Project-75I submarines, the Navy plans to order three additional Kalvari-class submarines, based on the French Scorpene design. These orders are expected to be placed in the coming months, with delivery anticipated around the same timeframe as Project-75I submarines.
The Navy’s strategy includes using the Shishumar-class submarines for training purposes once the new vessels start arriving. This will ensure that the experience and operational knowledge are passed down to the new crews before these older submarines are phased out. The retirement of the Shishumar class is projected to occur in phases post-2035.
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