India prioritises three additional Kalvari-class submarines to boost fleet strength

Facing a looming shortfall in its conventional submarine force, India is fast-tracking a proposal to add three Kalvari-class submarines, a project originally approved in 2004 but later sidelined for the AIP-focused Project 75 (I). The new order, estimated at ₹33,000 crore, will be executed by Mazagon Dockyards Limited with French Naval Group’s collaboration and will initially use lead-acid batteries, with a future upgrade to lithium-ion units.

These submarines will carry NATO-standard torpedoes, indigenous heavyweight torpedoes from DRDO, and 800 km range SCALP missiles, enhancing the Indian Navy’s deterrent capability in the Indian Ocean Region. The decision also seeks to maintain a conventional submarine deterrent while India pursues nuclear-powered SSNs and SSBNs, and it could open avenues for technology transfer or leasing to friendly navies such as Indonesia.