India weighs 3 more Scorpene submarines as Project-75(I) nears approval

India is considering adding three more Scorpene-class submarines while advancing the larger Project-75(I) programme for six advanced boats, with the latter nearing final approval. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed both proposals are under review. Project-75(I), estimated at over ₹80,000 crore, involves building six diesel-electric attack submarines with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, featuring advanced sensors, stealth, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). The additional Scorpenes would extend the Kalvari-class line at Mazagon Dock Limited. The Navy also plans to install an indigenous DRDO-developed AIP system on a Scorpene during a mid-life refit around mid-2026, alongside a new combat system from NPOL. These upgrades come as Pakistan inducts Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarines.