The decision will hinge on whether the government opts for a home-grown solution under the Buy India (IDDM) category or pursues a direct foreign purchase.
The Indian Navy is seeking at least two Special Operations Vessels (SOVs) along with Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) to support covert missions by its elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS).
These platforms, often referred to as midget submarines, are intended for clandestine littoral operations. Discussions are underway with MDL and L&T, both of which have developed concepts for such submarines, as well as with European manufacturers.
Unlike conventional submarine giants such as TKMS, Naval Group, Hanwha Ocean, or Navantia, these smaller submarines are not typically offered by large blue-water navies, but are used extensively by countries like Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan.
Italy’s Fincantieri and Drass are among the foreign firms approached. Drass has previously supplied midget submarines to Pakistan and West Asian navies, and earlier this year signed a framework agreement with Indonesia for its DGK class submarines and SDVs.
The DGK class is notable for its modular design and road transportability, though it remains untested in operational service. Fincantieri’s S800A is another option under consideration, but like Drass’ DGK, it exists only on paper at present.
India’s interest in small submarines dates back nearly two decades. The original project was launched in 2006, with a tender issued in 2009. L&T partnered with Russia’s Rubin Design Bureau, while MDL and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) tied up with Fincantieri.
Other shipyards, including ABG and Pipavav, submitted bids in collaboration with Italian and British firms. However, the programme was scrapped, and in 2016–17 HSL was nominated to lead the effort.
HSL struggled to develop an indigenous design or secure a foreign partner, and South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries’ all-electric proposal was deemed unsuitable. The project stalled once again.
In late 2022, the Navy issued a fresh Request for Information (RFI), receiving responses from MDL, L&T, and HSL. In May 2024, MDL unveiled a scaled model of its ‘Arowana’ midget submarine, which drew criticism for its appearance but remains under development.
The Navy is now seeking submarines of around 500 tonnes displacement, capable of carrying about 20 personnel. L&T, leveraging its experience from the Arihant-class nuclear submarine programme, has showcased its own mini-submarine design at defence expos.
The company claims its design has reached maturity and is pitching it as a fully indigenous solution under the Buy India (IDDM) category.
If the Navy opts for a foreign design, the acquisition will likely be a direct purchase with minimal localisation, as technology transfer is impractical for small-scale projects with limited budgets.
Conversely, an indigenous solution would bolster India’s submarine-building ecosystem and align with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The final decision will rest with the government, balancing operational urgency, cost, and strategic priorities.
This revival of the midget submarine programme comes amid India’s broader submarine modernisation drive, which includes Project 75(I) for six advanced conventional submarines with German collaboration, and Project 75(AS) as a stopgap measure to build additional Kalvari-class boats.
The push for SOVs reflects the Navy’s unique doctrinal requirement to operate effectively in both blue-water and littoral environments, ensuring MARCOS have the tools needed for covert missions in contested waters.
Agencies
