SOURCE: AFI
Sources within Spain’s Moncloa, the office of the Spanish President, indicate that a decision regarding India’s P-75I submarine project could be announced soon. This development follows high-level discussions between Spanish officials and the Indian Ministry of Defence, as Spain’s Navantia is one of the prominent bidders vying for the prestigious project. Navantia’s S-80 Plus submarine, featuring cutting-edge Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, has been offered as a contender for the Indian Navy’s Project-75I, a program critical to augmenting India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
India’s P-75I program, part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its submarine fleet, seeks to add six advanced diesel-electric submarines equipped with AIP systems. These AIP-enabled submarines can remain submerged for extended periods, crucial for stealth operations in contested waters. Project-75I is designed to address India’s security needs by enhancing its capacity to deter and counter underwater threats, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
As one of India’s largest defense tenders, the project not only demands cutting-edge technology but also emphasizes transfer of technology, local manufacturing, and sustained logistical support. Therefore, P-75I represents a significant investment in defense cooperation and industrial collaboration for the selected partner nation.
Spain’s Navantia has pitched its S-80 Plus submarine design, which boasts advanced AIP capabilities and a range of modern features tailored to meet the Indian Navy’s specifications. Navantia’s bid for the P-75I is part of its broader global strategy to expand its footprint in the defense sector and showcase the capabilities of the S-80 Plus, which has been in development for the Spanish Navy.
The S-80 Plus design is known for its endurance, operational range, and stealth capabilities. With an AIP system that allows it to operate submerged for prolonged periods, the S-80 Plus could offer the Indian Navy substantial advantages in stealth and combat readiness. Moreover, Navantia has proposed technology transfer and potential co-production arrangements with Indian industry, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative.