PROJECT 76 - DEFENCE AND
SECURITY
News: DRDO takes up study on
development of indigenous conventional submarine
What's in the news?
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken up a preliminary study
on the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under
Project-76.
Project-76:
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Under Project 76, the Warship Design Bureau of the
Indian Navy is working on designing and developing the country’s first indigenously conventional diesel-electric submarine.
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The Indian Navy wants to build 12 submarines under
Project 76.
Key takeaways:
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Envisioned as air-independent
propulsion (AIP)-equipped diesel-electric attack submarines, these
submarines, expected to have a submerged displacement of 3,000 tons, represent
a leap beyond their foreign-designed predecessors like Project-75I (India) and
Project-75 submarines.
Focus:
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It aims to succeed
the renowned Sindhughosh (Kilo) class, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to
maintaining a robust 3,000-ton class of submarines.
Features:
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It is expected to feature some of the most advanced
features such as, indigenous weapon
control system and Lithium-ion batteries.
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It represents a pivotal milestone in India’s
pursuit of maritime supremacy, amalgamating top-tier French technology from Project 75 and the expertise of
German/Spanish collaboration from Project 751 (India).
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The objective is to initiate the construction of
the prototype by 2028.
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This undertaking holds immense significance for
India’s submarine-building capabilities, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for
submarine design.