The Indian Navy is set to conduct trials in Spain by the end of this month for its Project 75 India (P-75I) initiative, aiming to acquire six advanced submarines. This was announced by Ricardo Dominguez Garcia-Baquero, Chairman of the Spanish shipyard Navantia.

Sharing details with the media, Garcia-Baquero emphasized that both the Spanish government and the Spanish Navy are eager to support the P-75I project. They are prepared to expedite export clearances and sign umbrella agreements with the Indian government, similar to the recent Airbus deal with Tata for C-295 transport aircraft.

Regarding the upcoming trials, Garcia-Baquero mentioned that the Indian Navy will conduct field evaluation trials of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in the last week of June at Navantia’s shipyard in Cartagena. The AIP system will enable submarines to remain submerged for longer periods, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities compared to older models without this technology.

Navantia is one of the key contenders for the P-75I project, competing alongside the German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dockyards Limited. The Spanish firm has proposed its S80 submarine design, already commissioned by the Spanish Navy in 2023, which aligns well with the technical requirements of the P-75I project without needing any redesign.

"The AIP system in the S80 produces over 300 kW of power, making it directly applicable to the P-75I project without requiring modifications. This reduces significant risks for the Indian Navy," stated Navantia.

Garcia-Baquero highlighted the advanced features of the S80 design, including third-generation BEST AIP (Bio-ethanol Stealth Technology) and an advanced sensor suite. Additionally, Navantia and its partner L&T have secured a proven Lithium-ion battery technology for the project. Navantia is committed to meeting the Transfer of Technology requirements and the stipulated Indigenous Content, aligning with India’s strategic goal of self-reliance in submarine technology.

In recent months, top-ranking Spanish officials have met with their Indian counterparts to reaffirm their commitment to the project. Navantia has also been in constant communication with Indian suppliers, sharing technical requirements to assess their capabilities.

"L&T, known for its indigenization efforts in the defense sector over the past three decades, is confident that our partnership will comfortably meet the indigenous content requirements," Navantia stated.

Praising L&T's work in submarines and other areas, Garcia-Baquero noted that the strategic partnership aims to develop the Indian private sector for manufacturing major defense platforms and equipment. "This industrial partnership with L&T will not only meet industrial and Indian Navy requirements but also opens opportunities beyond submarines," he added.

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