Larsen & Toubro, Navantia collaborate on Indian Navy’s P75 submarine initiative

Indian multinational conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia have signed a Teaming Agreement (TA) for the technocommercial bid on the Indian Navy‘s significant P75 (India) submarine program.

The agreement was signed in the presence of L&T CEO & MD S N Subrahmanyan, Naval Construction Vice President Augustin Alvarez Blanco, the Ambassador of Spain in India José María Ridao Domínguez, and other senior officials from both organizations.

The P75 (I) project necessitates an Indian bidder’s partnership with a Foreign Collaborator (FC) for the delivery of six conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and achieving targeted Indigenous Content.

With an estimated value exceeding €4.8 billion, the initiative is India’s largest defense acquisition project, followed by a 30-year lifecycle sustenance contract of similar value. The P75(I) would be the first program to be processed under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model of the Ministry of Defence acquisition.

Under the agreement, Navantia will design the P75(I) submarines based on its S80 class of submarines, launched in 2021 and currently undergoing sea trials prior to its delivery to the Spanish Navy at the end of 2023.

Navantia has been involved in the design and construction of the Scorpéne class of submarines with Naval Group of France, which have been exported to Chile and Malaysia. Navantia has also provided assistance in the Indian-built Scorpene submarines (Kalvari class).

Larsen & Toubro and Navantia partner for India’s P75 submarine program. Photo courtesy of Batmaniacs/Wikimedia Commons.

Alvarez Blanco said: “It gives us great joy to be in a position to be the design and technology partner for P75(I). We are also in collaboration with L&T for the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) program whose tender is eagerly awaited. With these two prestigious programs for the Indian Navy, Navantia is proud to be making a key contribution towards fulfilling the defence needs of India, a nation with which Spain shares excellent relationship.”

The P75(I) program also involves the integration of Navantia’s advanced 3rd Generation AIP system, which utilizes bioethanol as a hydrogen source. Known for its cost-efficiency, easy availability, and safety, bioethanol improves the AIP system’s efficiency and allows for refueling anywhere in the world.

Furthermore, L&T and Navantia are exploring cooperation in other military programs and green energy opportunities, including offshore wind through Navantia Seanergies division.

S N Subrahmanyan said: “L&T is proud to collaborate with Navantia for this prestigious program of strategic importance for the nation’s security. Navantia’s glorious 300-year-old track record in naval construction & technical expertise gives us a competitive advantage in this program and offer the Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) and environmentally Green AIP solution.

“We are committed to providing the most contemporary solution for Indian Navy’s requirements at a competitive price.”