Shishumar and Sindhughosh Class of Submarines : Pictures and Discussions

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HSL achieves milestone with fastest-ever refit of EKM-Class submarine, eyes future strategic projects

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has successfully completed the normal refit of an EKM-class submarine on July 21

New Delhi: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has successfully completed the normal refit of an EKM-class submarine on July 21, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. The refit was completed in record time, earning commendation from the Indian Navy for being the fastest-ever refit of its kind, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the submarine.

HSL's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Cmde Hemant Khatri attributed the achievement to over three decades of submarine refit expertise, the commitment of HSL’s workforce, and the robust support extended by Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam and the Eastern Naval Command. He also underlined the role of the growing MSME vendor ecosystem, which contributed to local job creation and skill development—advancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission.

The refit included extensive work, with a landmark achievement being the modification and testing of both escape hatches for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) integration. This is the first time such an upgrade has been successfully executed on a conventional submarine by an Indian ships yard.

Following this success, HSL is preparing to take up the refit of a modern Scorpene-class submarine. With this growing track record, HSL is positioning itself as a prime contender for upcoming strategic submarine programs, including the Medium Refit-cum-Life Certification (MRLC) of the Sindhughosh class and new submarine construction under the ambitious Project 75(I) and Project 76.

Strengthening its strategic capabilities, HSL has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to develop dual submarine construction facilities on both the east and west coasts of India. This collaboration aims to improve fleet readiness and accelerate delivery timelines.

On the international front, HSL is in discussions with the Vietnam People’s Navy for submarine refit work, signaling India’s growing role as a trusted defence partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

With its expanding capabilities in both submarine refit and construction, HSL is emerging as a vital player in India’s defence industrial base—delivering high-quality, time-bound solutions in support of national and regional security imperatives.
 
INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class in service with the Indian Navy, was decommissioned at sunset on 19 Dec 25, after 40 years of glorious service to the nation, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. in the presence of VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, #FOCINC #WNC. The submarine was paid off under the command of Lt Cdr Rajat Sharma.

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INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class in service with the Indian Navy, was decommissioned at sunset on 19 Dec 25, after 40 years of glorious service to the nation, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. in the presence of VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, #FOCINC #WNC. The submarine was paid off under the command of Lt Cdr Rajat Sharma.

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Should have signed for additional Scorpenes.
 
Should have signed for additional Scorpenes.
Imo given the major cost escalation with P-75AS (INR 36K cr), the prog is as good as dead. As things stand, the 3 Scorpenes would cost us about the same as P-75I (unit cost) which is currently pegged at INR 70K cr for 6 boats.

The Navy Chief may have given an assurance that P-75AS will be taken up after P-75I is signed. But he probably sees the writing on the wall as well.
 
Imo given the major cost escalation with P-75AS (INR 36K cr), the prog is as good as dead. As things stand, the 3 Scorpenes would cost us about the same as P-75I (unit cost) which is currently pegged at INR 70K cr for 6 boats.

The Navy Chief may have given an assurance that P-75AS will be taken up after P-75I is signed. But he probably sees the writing on the wall as well.
Navy should have signed for the 3 additional Scorpenes back in 2016 itself based on recommendations given by the then DM Shri. Manohar Parrikar.
All of them could have been in service by now to give the Navy a breather in their subsurface domain.
 
Navy should have signed for the 3 additional Scorpenes back in 2016 itself based on recommendations given by the then DM Shri. Manohar Parrikar.
All of them could have been in service by now to give the Navy a breather in their subsurface domain.
The cost escalation is not just due to inflation but also because of the ~60% indigenization component which includes AIP, weapons, cms and other mods.

Plus, this is a much bigger boat compared to the ~1500t CM-2000 Scorpene variant originally chosen for P-75.

The problem is GoI/MoD have not yet learned their lessons. They are wrong in thinking that a foriegn OEM will give them anything more than mfg ToT. The Germans are no better than the French in this regard.

We may have got lucky with the Type 209-1500 (Shishumar class) where we got the design blueprints. But that was from West Germany back in the 1980s. Ain't happening again.
 
Imo given the major cost escalation with P-75AS (INR 36K cr), the prog is as good as dead. As things stand, the 3 Scorpenes would cost us about the same as P-75I (unit cost) which is currently pegged at INR 70K cr for 6 boats.

The Navy Chief may have given an assurance that P-75AS will be taken up after P-75I is signed. But he probably sees the writing on the wall as well.

It's not about the cost. It's about time.

The 1st P75I will be the 1st of its design, being built in India. It means we would be lucky if the 1st boat is in service by 2035, irrespective of what everyone claims.

Meanwhile the follow on Scorpenes would have been in service by 2031.
 
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It's not about the cost. It's about time.

The 1st P75I will be the 1st of its design, being built in India. It means we would be lucky if the 1st boat is in service by 2035, irrespective of what everyone claims.

Meanwhile the follow on Scorpenes would have been in service by 2031.
Had it been a follow-on purchase of the same CM-2000 variant, the P-75AS contract would've likely gone through by now (with costs adjusted for inflation)

But the INs requirements have changed significantly. The cost of AIP will reportedly be over and above NG's asking price of INR 36K cr. I doubt the cost of local kit is included either.

 
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