Navantia, a leading Spanish shipbuilding company, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have joined forces through a Teaming Agreement signed at the premises of the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi. This collaboration is aimed at submitting a techno-commercial bid for the prestigious Project-75 (India) submarine program of the Indian Navy. The signing ceremony, attended by N. Subhramanyam, L&T’s MD and CEO, and Augustin Alvarez Blanco, Navantia’s Vice President of Naval Construction and Member of the Board, marks an important milestone in India’s defense industry.
Under Project-75(I), which is affiliated with India’s Ministry of Defense, the Indian Navy seeks to procure diesel-electric submarines and foster indigenous capabilities in designing, developing, and constructing complex weapon systems. The partnership between Navantia and Larsen & Toubro will play a crucial role in meeting the future needs of the Armed Forces. This ambitious project, with an estimated value exceeding Euro 4.8 billion, is considered India’s largest defense acquisition initiative.
Navantia, renowned for its expertise in submarine design and construction, will leverage its S80 class of submarines to develop the design for the P75(I) submarines. The first vessel of this class, launched in 2021, is currently undergoing sea trials and is scheduled for delivery to the Spanish Navy by the end of 2023. Additionally, Navantia has been involved in the design and construction of Scorpene class submarines in collaboration with DCNS of France, which have been exported to Chile and Malaysia. The company has also supported the production of Scorpene submarines in India, providing guidance and expertise to the Indian shipyard.
Project-75(I) holds significant importance for India’s defense sector, as it not only enhances the country’s indigenous submarine construction capabilities but also boosts the industrial and manufacturing sectors. This project will have a positive impact on small and medium-sized industries associated with submarine manufacturing, including the production of spares and equipment. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, India is actively working towards building a robust defense industry and ensuring the country’s security and self-sufficiency.