India has achieved a significant milestone in the defense sector by unveiling the first glimpse of its first completely indigenously designed conventional submarine P-76 SSK. This new generation submarine being developed under Project-76 is being considered a decisive step towards taking the maritime warfare capability of the Indian Navy to new heights.
According to reports, this ambitious program has been launched with the aim of establishing India as a strong maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region. Under the project, a fleet of diesel-electric submarines with state-of-the-art stealth capability, long-duration underwater operations and advanced attack capability will be created.
Is this the DRDO-WDB-L&T proposed design for the P-76? Or, it’s that one to be powered by the energy of the Sun! The first 2 Indian SSN will be built in the SBC, Visakhapatnam & will be close to 10000T (Sandeep Unnithan). I can’t distinguish. But yes, I expected X bow & pump jet. pic.twitter.com/YhXnqNiM8b
— Sankalan Chattopadhyay (@VinodDX9) June 5, 2026
Project-76 is India’s first program in which a conventional submarine design is being developed completely indigenously. The project is being led by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Private sector major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and public sector company Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) are likely to play an important role in the production.
A total of 12 modern submarines are proposed to be constructed under the project. Each submarine will weigh approximately 3,000 tonnes and will include 70 to 80 percent indigenous equipment and systems. This is being considered a big leap towards India’s defense self-reliance, as it will significantly reduce its dependence on foreign defense companies.
The P-76 submarines will use Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, lithium-ion batteries and state-of-the-art pump-jet propulsion technology. With the help of these technologies, submarines will be able to stay underwater for a long time and their acoustic signature will be very low, making it difficult for the enemy to detect them.
Yes. First look at the P-76 SSK- India’s first indigenously designed conventional submarine. More details here: pic.twitter.com/M7KHIN6UW4
— Sandeep (@SandeepUnnithan) June 5, 2026
Apart from this, these submarines will also have advanced stealth technology and Vertical Launch System (VLS), which can launch long-range cruise missiles. Heavy weight torpedoes and Integrated Combat Systems will make their firepower even stronger. Defense experts believe that due to these features the P-76 could be among the most advanced conventional submarines in Asia.
The timeline of the project has also been kept quite ambitious. Work on the technical design has already begun, while the necessary approvals and contracts are expected to be received by 2028. Parallel production lines have been planned to be set up at Mumbai-based MDL and Kattupalli-based L&T Shipyards to speed up the manufacturing process. The first prototype is targeted to be inducted into the Navy by 2034, while the entire fleet is planned to be operational by 2041.
If this deadline is met, Project 76 could become the fastest completed conventional submarine program in India’s history. The project will also help fill the capability gaps that are likely to arise due to the retirement of the aging Kilo-class and Shishumar-class submarines in the coming years.
From a strategic point of view, this project is considered very important for India. China currently has more than 65 submarines, while Pakistan is also modernizing its fleet with new submarines based on Chinese technology. On the other hand, India’s current fleet of 19 submarines is likely to decline in the coming years. In such a situation, Project-76 will play an important role in maintaining the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region and strengthening India’s maritime superiority.
The program will also contribute towards building a balanced and modern submarine fleet in conjunction with Project 77, India’s nuclear powered attack submarine project.
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