If India is forced into a war-like environment in the current scenario, which one is more important – fighter planes, aircraft carriers, tanks, and submarines? Commoners will always point out planes and/or tanks. They are symbols of strength. But India’s strength does not lie there – in the waters.
Geography matches no other country like the Indian Gratis. The Indian Ocean encircles the land on three sides. Thus, the situation arises where the Indian government gets the chance to affect the blue global route of its two main adversaries: China and Pakistan. In contemporary world warfare, domination of the blue global route can duly decide the end result without land battles.
This is the exact reason why the submarines have become the most essential defense mechanism for India.
Project 75: The Turning Point
It is one of the most visible transitions taking place in the form of “Project 75,” a $9.9 billion submarine program, which has steadily revolutionized Indian marine power over the years. Under this program, India has inducted six sophisticated “Scorpene-class” submarines developed with extensive indigenous participation using French technology.
The proposal for this submarine was approved in 1997, but it assumed a degree of urgency following the Kargil War of 1999, which highlighted deficiencies within the Indian navy’s undersea warfare strengths. This did not call solely for a submarine but also for submarine technology. France responded to this needs call.
India firmed up a $3.75 billion deal with French defense major Naval Group, known as DCNS, in 2005. The deal was more about technology transfer, which would enable India to produce these submersibles within their own country.
Six submarines, one message
The first submarine was named INS Kalvari, and it was inducted into service in 2017. It was followed by INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir, and, finally, by INS Vagsheer in 2025. This completes the induction of all six Kalvari-class submarines into the Indian Navy fleet.
This is a milestone in the completion of one of the most complex defense production projects in India.
what makes the scorpene class of submarines deadly
The Scorpene-class submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth, range, and accuracy. The submarines are also referred to as “silent killers” for a reason.
They are fitted with highly sophisticated acoustic silencing technology that greatly reduces the engine or machinery noise. Their hydro-dynamically optimized design enables them to navigate the water with little disturbance, thus it is very difficult to detect them. Even the latest sonars cannot detect them.
Each submarine can carry 18 torpedoes or missiles, while others can accommodate a maximum of 30 naval mines. In this case, the submarines have high capabilities in respect of warfare.
With a maximum diving depth of about 300 meters, these subs can remain operational for about 240 days a year, giving officers a substantial freedom of action.
Control of the Indian Ocean
The actual worth of such submarines remains within their operational theater, which is the Indian Ocean.
India is close to many of the world’s “choke points” that, if seized, could deny China access to international trade. Starting from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it allows it to monitor “the Malacca Strait, through which passes 77.4% of its (Chinese) imported oil products.” From the Lakshadweep Islands, “it guards the 9-degree channel in the Arabian Sea, which is an important route for China’s trading ships.”
“In a crisis, Scorpene-class submarines could operate undetected on these corridors and wield limitless economic and energy leverage – without ever firing a shot on land,” Hepworth explained on March 19.
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Beyond war: Intelligence and deterrence
These submarines are more than mere weapons of aggression. They are also intelligence systems. The stealth capabilities enable the submarines to follow the amalgamated fleet of the enemy and acquire vital information unnoticed by the other side. Such capabilities give a head start and advantage to India regarding the Chinese fleet.
They, in addition, bolster Indian security with countries like the US, Japan, and even Australia, who are increasingly worried about China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean.
There’s a renewed focus on the indigenization of the Indian Defence Manufacturing sector through the `Project 75. Defence exports by the Indian industry have exceeded $10 Billion cumulatively, including $3 Billion in 2024-25. Then comes the submarines.
It appears that most Southeastern and African nations are under maritime pressure from China but do not possess the ability to manufacture their own submarines. The fact that India has experience in manufacturing Scorpene class submarines makes them a possible alternative supplier in this field.
the big picture Typically, there are no headlines about submarines. They carry out their work in complete secrecy. And that’s exactly what makes them crucial. “Project 75” has ensured that the strongest weapon that Indian possesses will never be required to be used because its presence alone has altered the power dynamics and changed the balance of power within the Indian Ocean.
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