SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s quest for advanced heavyweight torpedoes (HWT) for its Kalvari-class submarines has taken a significant turn, with the Italian Black Shark torpedo emerging as the frontrunner. On April 15, 2025, The Economic Times reported that Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has withdrawn its bid to supply 48 HWTs, leaving the Italian Black Shark, developed by Leonardo Electronics, as a leading contender .
Despite competition from France’s Naval Group, the Black Shark’s competitive pricing and historical familiarity with the Indian Navy position it favorably—though its controversial past raises questions about its selection.
The Black Shark torpedo is no stranger to the Indian Navy’s procurement process. In 2008-09, it was the frontrunner for a contract to supply 98 torpedoes, intended for the Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with Naval Group . However, the project was shelved in 2013 after allegations of irregularities, leading the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to refer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Black Shark’s former parent company, part of the Finmeccanica group (now Leonardo), was also implicated in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter scandal, further tainting its reputation .
Despite this history, the Black Shark has re-emerged as a top contender in 2025, reflecting a pragmatic shift in India’s defense procurement priorities. The withdrawal of TKMS, which was likely offering the Atlas Elektronik SeaHake torpedo, has narrowed the field, leaving the Black Shark to compete primarily with Naval Group’s F21 torpedo . Sources suggest that the French offer may be pricier, giving the Italian torpedo a cost advantage—a critical factor given India’s focus on balancing capability with affordability .
The Black Shark is a 533 mm heavyweight torpedo designed for both anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). It features advanced wire-guided and autonomous homing capabilities, with a multi-mode seeker that combines active, passive, and acoustic homing for precision targeting. Capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots and a range of over 50 km, the Black Shark is well-suited for the Kalvari-class submarines, which require long-range, high-endurance torpedoes to counter threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) .
The Kalvari-class submarines, six of which are currently in service or under construction, are equipped with the Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System (SUBTICS) and can carry up to 18 weapons, including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles . Integrating the Black Shark would enhance their firepower, particularly against advanced adversaries like China’s expanding naval presence in the IOR, which includes nuclear and conventional submarines .
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