The government will soon begin the process for the Rs 60,000-crore submarine programme, having recently unveiled a major policy for indigenous defence manufacturing in the country.
The project would be the first of its kind, to be launched under the ambitious 'Strategic Partnership' (SP) model that was finalised last month with plans to involve leading private players that would contribute in defence production.
The defence ministry would most likely roll out the Expression of Interest for the project, after which the process for mega deal would begin.
As of now, Larsen and Toubro and Reliance Defence are the only two defence firms that satisfy the eligibility norms for participation in the P-75 (I) programme, to build six submarines.
The programme will be a follow-on project of Project 75 of the Indian Navy, under which six Scorpene-class submarines are currently being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. These submarines have been designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS.
The government would soon begin the process to shortlist the foreign original equipment manufacturers for the project under the SP model.
As per the model, select private firms and foreign entities would be engaged in building military platforms like submarines and fighter jets.
(Image source Bangladesh Defence)