Indian Navy’s Project 76 Submarine Program Accelerates with AIP Breakthrough

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Indian Navy’s Project 76 Submarine Program Accelerates with AIP Breakthrough

The Indian Navy’s Project 76, a fully indigenous conventional submarine program, has reached a critical milestone with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) achieving a breakthrough in Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. On October 19, 2025, DRDO successfully tested a phosphoric acid fuel cell-based AIP system, extending underwater endurance to over 14 days, as a follow-on to advancements detailed in DRDO’s Indigenous AIP System Boosts Scorpene Submarines. This positions Project 76 as a cornerstone of India’s maritime strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Project 76 aims to deliver six advanced diesel-electric submarines by 2032, with a ₹45,000 crore budget and 90% indigenous content. The AIP system, which eliminates frequent surfacing, enhances stealth against China’s expanding People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) submarine fleet. Equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes, and BrahMos missile integration, these submarines will secure India’s maritime boundaries and project power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

MDL’s collaboration with Larsen & Toubro and startups for composite materials and lithium-ion batteries underscores Atmanirbhar Bharat’s impact, building on Scorpene-class expertise. Export potential is high, with Vietnam and Indonesia eyeing India’s submarine capabilities. Challenges include production scaling, technology transfer delays, and training crews for AIP operations.

With Project 76, India is poised to become a global submarine manufacturing hub, strengthening its strategic autonomy.

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