Navantia, the renowned Spanish shipbuilding company, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leading Indian engineering conglomerate, have joined forces through a collaborative agreement called the Teaming Agreement (TA). This partnership aims to present a cutting-edge techno-commercial proposal for India’s prestigious P75 (I) submarine program.
India’s Ambitious Defense Acquisition Project
The P75 (I) submarine program is India’s largest defense acquisition project, valued at over Euro 4.8 billion. It involves the acquisition of six conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. The program’s objective is not only to strengthen India’s naval capabilities but also to achieve a substantial level of indigenous content in the manufacturing process.
Navantia’s Expertise and Advanced Technology
Navantia, with its extensive experience in submarine design and construction, will play a pivotal role in the P75 (I) program. The company will leverage its expertise and utilize its S80 class submarines as the basis for designing the submarines. Navantia’s 3rd Generation AIP solution, known for its advanced technology and efficiency, will also be incorporated into the submarines.
Navantia’s Track Record
Navantia has a successful track record in submarine design and construction, having previously collaborated with DCNS (now Naval Group) in the construction of the Scorpene class submarines. This experience and expertise make Navantia a valuable partner for the P75 (I) program, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge submarines that meet India’s defense requirements.
The Strategic Partnership Model
The P75 (I) program is significant not only for its technological advancements but also for its procurement approach. It will be the first project processed under India’s Strategic Partnership model of defense acquisition. This model promotes collaboration between Indian companies and foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enhance domestic capabilities and achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Navantia’s State-of-the-Art AIP Solution
One of the crucial aspects of the P75 (I) program is the integration of an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. Navantia’s 3rd Generation AIP solution is widely regarded as the most advanced and efficient AIP system in the world. It stands out for its compact design, ease of use and maintenance, and its environmentally friendly features. The system utilizes bioethanol as a source of hydrogen, which offers cost efficiency, easy availability, and eliminates the need for special infrastructure. The high density of hydrogen in ethanol improves the AIP system’s efficiency, while the liquid form of ethanol eliminates the safety risks associated with storing hydrogen. Furthermore, the wide availability of ethanol enables the system to be refueled anywhere in the world, ensuring operational flexibility.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Submarines
The collaboration between L&T and Navantia extends beyond the P75 (I) program. Both companies are exploring opportunities for cooperation in other military programs. Additionally, they are also considering collaboration in green energy projects, particularly in the field of offshore wind energy. This diversification highlights the potential for long-term partnership and mutual growth between the two entities.