India 

The Indian Navy initiates trials for six advanced submarines, valued at Rs 60,000 crore, in collaboration with domestic shipyards and foreign partners, aiming to bolster its maritime capabilities with cutting-edge technology including Air Independent Propulsion systems.

In a significant stride towards enhancing its naval capabilities, the Indian Navy has embarked on trials for the construction of six cutting-edge submarines within the country. Valued at Rs 60,000 crore, this tender underscores India's commitment to fortifying its conventional submarine fleet.

The tender, issued to Indian shipyards Mazagaon Dockyards Limited and Larsen and Toubro, signifies a collaborative effort between domestic and foreign partners. The trials commenced in March this year, with a delegation from the Indian Navy inspecting the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of German submarine manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel, Germany.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, in partnership with the Indian Defence Ministry's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is a key player in this significant endeavor. MDL, serving as the prime partner, aims to ensure that over 60% of the vessel's components are indigenous, fostering self-reliance and bolstering the country's maritime capabilities.

The upcoming phase of trials, scheduled in Spain, will witness Spanish firm Navantia and Larsen and Toubro showcasing their AIP systems by the end of June. The AIP technology stands as a crucial requirement set forth by the Indian Navy, promising extended underwater endurance—a capability vital for strategic naval operations.

Navantia and Larsen & Toubro's collaboration, facilitated by a Teaming Agreement, underscores their commitment to delivering technologically advanced solutions for the Indian Navy's P75 (India) submarine program. This initiative seeks to procure diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with fuel cells and AIP systems, ensuring a significant leap in capabilities over existing vessels.

The forthcoming submarines, characterized by their larger size and enhanced capabilities attributable to AIP technology, represent a vital step forward in India's maritime defense strategy. By leveraging the expertise of both domestic and international partners, the Indian Navy is poised to bolster its operational readiness and secure its maritime interests effectively.

The ongoing trials mark a pivotal moment in India's quest for a modernized and robust submarine fleet, affirming its status as a formidable maritime power in the region. As these endeavors progress, India reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding its maritime borders and upholding security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.