PROJECT 75I - DEFENCE
AND SECURITY
News: Field evaluation trials of
submarine bids under Project-75I complete
What's in the news?
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The Navy’s mega-submarine deal under Project-75I,
estimated at over ₹43,000 crore, has crossed a major milestone in the process
with the Field Evaluation Trials (FET) — to check the compliance of the bids
received — now complete.
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There are two contenders in the fray - Germany’s
TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) and Navantia of Spain.
Project 75I:
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Under this project, the Indian Navy intends to acquire six diesel-electric submarines,
which will also feature advanced Air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems
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Project 75 (I), approved in 2007, is part of the Indian Navy’s 30-year Plan for
indigenous submarine construction.
Uniqueness:
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It will be developed under the strategic partnership model which was promulgated in 2017
to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
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The strategic partnership model allows domestic defence manufacturers to
join hands with leading foreign defence majors to produce high-end military
platforms to reduce import dependence.
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Acquisitions under the Strategic Partnership model
refer to participation of private Indian firms along with foreign OEM (Original
Equipment Manufacturer) in line with Atma Nirbhar Bharat principle.
Features:
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Project 75-I envisages indigenous construction of 6 modern conventional (non-nuclear or
diesel-electric) submarines with contemporary equipment, weapons &
sensors including Fuel-Cell based AIP
(Air Independent Propulsion), advanced torpedoes and modern missiles.
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It is also the first programme to be progressed
under the Strategic Partnership concept which offers a level-playing field to
the private sector.
Significance:
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It provides a major boost to the indigenous design
and construction capability of submarines in India as well as bring in the
latest submarine design and technologies.
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It would not only aid in boosting the core
submarine industry but would also enhance the industrial sector, especially the
MSME by development of an industrial
eco-system for manufacture of associated equipment related to submarines.
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It will be an important step towards meeting
broader national objectives and aligning the defence sector with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the
government.