In the first official word on the progress in the P 75I submarine contest to supply six boats to the Navy that will be built in India, Valcarce said that a joint bid by L&T and Navantia (Spain) is soon moving to the trials stage.
“We have been advised that the technical offer has been assessed as compliant. The next step is to undertake trials of the Air Independent Propulsion System (AIP) of the offered design. L&T and Navantia are working to commence the trials in a few months,” Valcare said.
Spain’s Navantia is in contention with Germany’s TyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the mega Navy contract that involves significant transfer of technology to the Indian construction partner. TKMS has chosen Mazagaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) as its partner and is expected to undergo trials in the coming weeks.
The secretary’s statement has brought clarity that Navantia, fully-owned by the Spanish government, will also be in a position to go for trials, despite speculation that the submarine may not be ready to demonstrate the all-important AIP that gives it the ability to stay underwater for weeks, a key requirement of the Indian Navy.
During her visit to the capital, Valcare met senior government officials, including Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and reaffirmed that Spain is willing to meet all technology transfer requirements.“The Spanish government fully supports the project, which includes military materiel export clearances. We perceive India as a very relevant player for ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.The Secretary added that Navantia is looking to participate in an upcoming tender for construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) that are required by the Navy and will work with an Indian partner to make them locally.
Valcare also mentioned the ongoing manufacturing of C 295 transport aircraft in Spain for an Indian Air Force order, emphasising that it demonstrates the ability and willingness to transfer technology as a bulk of the planes will eventually be made in India.
Other areas identified for cooperation were also identified between the two nations during the bilateral meetings. “We would like to open up new opportunities, for example, work jointly on missiles and ammunition. Our goal is to work jointly with India,” the Secretary said.
