SOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to bolster self-reliance in defense manufacturing, the Indian Navy has announced that the submarines under the much-anticipated Project-75I tender will feature a wide array of locally developed components and subsystems. This initiative is expected to provide a major boost to India’s defense manufacturing sector and aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Project-75I involves the construction of six advanced conventional submarines, with bids currently under evaluation. The submarines are set to incorporate indigenous equipment across multiple systems, marking a significant step toward reducing dependence on imports and fostering domestic industrial growth.
Indigenous Systems to Be Integrated
The Navy has outlined a broad range of systems that will be sourced from Indian manufacturers to enhance localization. These include:
- Steering Gear
- Shafting Systems
- Reduction Gears
- Air Conditioning Plants
- Refrigeration Plants
- Compressors
- Pumps
- De-Mineralized (DM) Water Plants
- Accumulators
- Filters
- System Valves
- Electrical Equipment, including motors and power distribution centers.
These components are critical to the functionality of the submarines, covering propulsion, cooling, filtration, and various operational systems. The localization push ensures that a significant portion of the submarine’s design and construction benefits Indian companies, creating opportunities for technological innovation and job creation.
The decision to integrate indigenous components opens up substantial opportunities for private and public sector companies to collaborate with the Navy. By awarding orders for these systems to Indian manufacturers, the initiative is expected to:
Enhance Supply Chain Resilience: Building a robust ecosystem to support future projects.
Stimulate Domestic Manufacturing: Encouraging the production of high-precision equipment.
Foster Innovation: Enabling Indian companies to develop advanced systems meeting stringent naval standards.
Reduce Costs: Lowering reliance on costly imports.