Following the news that the sixth submarine of the Kalvari-class has commenced sea trials;

Kandlikar Venkatesh, Defense Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“The commencement of sea trials for the sixth Kalvari-class submarine marks a significant milestone, as it moves closer to its induction into the Indian Navy. With an expected commissioning in early 2024, this final submarine of the class will significantly bolster the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, safeguard its maritime interests, and strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The successful completion of Project 75, under which the Indian Navy is building six diesel-electric submarines, demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in defense production, promoting the development of the defense manufacturing sector and strengthening the country’s defense industrial base.

“The partnership between Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and Naval Group in constructing the Kalvari-class submarines involved substantial technology transfer, enabling the growth of indigenous submarine construction capabilities. The knowledge and expertise acquired during the construction of the Kalvari-class submarines serve as a valuable groundwork, laying the foundation for future collaborations and partnerships in upcoming indigenous submarine projects like Project 75I and the nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) Program.

“According to GlobalData, India is projected to spend $24.9 billion on procuring submarines over the next ten years to enhance its maritime capabilities. The involvement of Indian shipbuilders in these upcoming submarine projects enhances their capabilities and positions them as key players in the global submarine construction industry. Furthermore, these indigenous submarine projects are expected to create significant opportunities for foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and sub-system manufacturers to access the expanding Indian naval defense market and demonstrate their expertise in submarine construction and technology.”