P75 (1) Submarines and Strategic Partnership Model

Summary Points:

1. Strategic Partnership Model (SPM): Project 75(I) leverages the SPM for indigenous submarine construction, emphasizing collaboration between Indian Strategic Partners (SPs) and foreign OEMs to enhance local manufacturing and technological capabilities.

2. Historical Context and Evolution: Originating in 1999 with formal initiation in 2007, Project 75(I) aims to strengthen India's submarine fleet, complementing the existing fleet with six advanced conventional submarines.

3. Procurement Process and Challenges: Despite multiple delays and controversies, including foreign OEMs' concerns over technology transfer and liability clauses, the project represents a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

4. Foreign OEMs Participation: Notable withdrawals and apprehensions from major international submarine builders underscore the project's stringent requirements, leaving TKMS (Germany) and Navantia (Spain) as main contenders.

5. Domestic and International Implications: The project underscores India's intent to bolster undersea warfare capabilities amidst regional security dynamics, notably Pakistan's acquisition of Chinese submarines.

6. Strategic Importance: Enhances the Indian Navy's operational readiness, undersea warfare capability, and contributes to the domestic defense industrial base's growth.

7. Future Outlook: Project 75(I) serves as a critical test for India's defense indigenization efforts, aiming to pave the way for future indigenous defense projects and potential exports.

Additional Information to Remember:

• Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Project 75(I) aligns with DAP 2020's emphasis on indigenization, showcasing the policy's impact on high-value defense procurements.

• Geopolitical Significance: The project is strategically vital against the backdrop of increasing Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean, necessitating a robust Indian maritime defense posture.

• Technology Transfer and Indigenous Content (IC): Project 75(I)'s focus on ToT and high IC underscores India's move towards reducing dependency on foreign technology for critical defense platforms.

• Strategic Partnerships and Defense Ecosystem: The project is expected to foster long-term partnerships between Indian and foreign defense firms, contributing to the ecosystem's overall development.

Title : P75 (1) Submarines and Strategic Partnership Model

Author : Abhay Kumar Singh

Publication Date : 28 March 2024

URL : Originally published by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (www.idsa.in) at P75 (1) Submarines and Strategic Partnership Model | Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (idsa.in)