Navantia and L&T Collaborate for Indian Navy’s P75 (I) Submarine Program Bid

Spain’s Navantia and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have entered into a Teaming Agreement (TA) for the Indian Navy’s prestigious P75 (India) submarine program. The signing of the agreement took place in the presence of SN Subrahmanyan, CEO & MD of L&T, and Augustin Alvarez Blanco, Naval Construction Vice President and Member of the Board at Navantia. This collaboration marks an important milestone in India’s defense acquisition.

The Value of the P75 (I) Submarine Program

The P75 (I) submarine program is of great significance, with a value of over Euro 4.8 billion. Under this program, the aim is to deliver six conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) while emphasizing the achievement of targeted Indigenous Content. The project is the largest defense acquisition initiative undertaken by India and is set to strengthen the country’s naval capabilities.

Strategic Partnership Model

The P75 (I) program falls under the ambit of the Strategic Partnership (SP) model, which is the Ministry of Defence’s preferred method for defense acquisitions. This model ensures a structured and streamlined approach to procurement and promotes collaboration between Indian companies and foreign collaborators.

Designing the P75 (I) Submarines

Navantia, renowned for its expertise in naval construction, will be responsible for the design of the P75 (I) submarines. The submarines will be based on Navantia’s S80 class, which has already proven its capabilities with the launch of the first submarine in 2021. Navantia has an extensive track record, including the design and construction of the Scorpene class of submarines in collaboration with DCNS (Now Naval Group) of France.

Navantia’s Advanced AIP Solution

One of the key features of the P75 (I) program is the integration of an advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. The AIP solution developed by Navantia, known as the 3rd Generation AIP solution, is recognized as the foremost advanced and effective system globally. This innovative solution utilizes bioethanol as a hydrogen source, providing several advantages such as cost-effectiveness, easy accessibility, and the elimination of requirements for specialized infrastructure. The system’s high density of hydrogen in ethanol improves its efficiency, and the wide availability of ethanol enables easy refueling worldwide.

Seeking Collaboration in Other Areas

Apart from the submarine program, L&T and Navantia are exploring opportunities for collaboration in other military programs. Additionally, they are keen to cooperate in green energy initiatives, including offshore wind projects, through Navantia’s Seanergies division. This partnership signifies the mutual interest of both companies in expanding their cooperation beyond the submarine program.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2023

Category: Defence Current Affairs