Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has confirmed that Project-76, aimed at developing a new class of indigenous conventional diesel-electric submarines, is currently in its early stages. Representing a significant step toward self-reliance in undersea warfare capabilities, the project builds on prior efforts such as Project-75 and Project-75I. The design phase is already underway, with the final blueprint expected by 2028, after which the proposal will be submitted for Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval around 2033–34, paving the way for construction. Notably, Project-76 will be India’s first submarine class fully designed in-house, leveraging expertise gained through earlier collaborations and technology transfers. Both the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) are working on competing designs, which will be evaluated by the Navy.
