In a significant advancement for the domestic defense industry, state-owned shipbuilders Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) and Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on submarine construction. This initiative will create the nation’s first dual-coast submarine production capability.
This partnership represents a strategic effort under the Narendra Modi government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at boosting indigenous defense manufacturing and decreasing dependence on foreign suppliers. It will greatly improve the country's ability to produce advanced submarines for the Indian Navy.
Mumbai-based MDL has a strong history of constructing both Shishumar-class and the newer Scorpene-class submarines through technology partnerships. The company is currently competing for the Rs 45,000-crore Project 75(I) submarine tender in collaboration with the German submarine manufacturer TKMS.
HSL, located in Visakhapatnam on the east coast, holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian shipyard to have successfully completed a full-scale submarine modernization, specifically the complex refit of INS Sindhukirti. It continues to manage significant refits and overhauls for the Navy’s underwater fleet.
This dual-yard initiative realizes a long-term strategic vision that dates back to 1999, which aimed to establish a submarine-building facility on the east coast to enhance the capabilities of the west coast. The Indian Navy has identified a need for at least 24 submarines to address growing maritime threats and assert its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Given the complexities and lengthy timelines involved in submarine construction, the partnership between MDL and HSL will be essential for speeding up delivery schedules, ensuring consistent production, and reducing risks associated with relying on a single yard. Operation Sindoor, a comprehensive underwater surveillance and deterrence exercise conducted by the Navy, has underscored the vital importance of submarines in protecting India’s maritime interests.
The dual-coast manufacturing strategy is anticipated to greatly improve India’s underwater combat capabilities and supports its larger goal of becoming a leading Blue Water Navy with influence throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative marks a significant advancement in establishing a strong, self-sufficient ecosystem for underwater warfare platforms, safeguarding not only its coastlines but also its strategic maritime interests well beyond.
