In a significant development, the state-owned shipyard Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) recently unveiled the prototype of a midget submarine named Arowana, highlighting India’s technological prowess. The Indian Navy has long been interested in midget submarines to enhance its Special Forces missions. The shipyard, which has been building submarines since 1984 with foreign design, is now also working on the development of design of full-scale conventional submarine to becompleted by 2028. Engineered for precision and stealth, it signifies India’s progress in naval technology, demonstrating its capacity to innovate and excel in creating cutting-edge defence capabilities.
During the launch of the midget submarine on May 14, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane remarked, “MDL is a precious jewel in the crown of India and has contributed immensely to building capacities for naval and commercial purposes. MDL is the biggest shipyard in the country, contributing most to the assets of the Indian Navy.” He further emphasised, “India has occupied a central role in the Indo-Pacific region, and consistent efforts are being made to strengthen the shipbuilding capabilities of the country by involving and motivating the private sector to be part of the country’s growth story”.
What Is A Midget Submarine?
A midget submarine is a small, specialised type of submarine typically crewed by a pilot and co-pilot. Despite its compact size, a midget submarine boasts advanced capabilities uniquely suited for various naval operations. One advantage of midget submarines is their ability to deploy infiltrating swimmers to lay mines on enemy vessels and shores, providing a stealthy and effective means of disrupting enemy activities.
Additionally, their compact size and advanced design allow them to easily navigate through shallow waters and congested maritime environments, evading detection and accessing areas inaccessible to larger vessels. This flexibility enhances their operational reach and effectiveness in diverse scenarios, including covert missions where they can gather critical intelligence on enemy ships undetected. Overall, midget submarines offer unmatched advantages in naval warfare, combining stealth, manoeuvrability, and strategic versatility to support broader naval operations.
Indian Navy’s Quest for Midget Submarines
The Indian Navy is seeking an unspecified number of midget submarines for its elite special force, Marcos, to conduct a wide range of operations. Two firms, MDL and L&T, are working on their prototypes to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements. While MDL has yet to disclose details about the Arowana, it appears not to be a full-scale prototype. Meanwhile, L&T is developing their midget submarine named SOV-400, which has a displacement of 400 tons. The firm has displayed scale models on several occasions. The SOV-400 is reportedly capable of carrying ten special force operatives and integrating two four-person swimmer delivery vehicles in its lower hull. Two Special Forces personnel would remain onboard the submarine to coordinate and support the mission.
Arowana: Paving the Way for Full-Scale Submarine
The Ministry of Defence stated, “The midget submarine is being developed as a proof of concept. The team is concurrently working on the development of the design of a full-scale conventional submarine by 2028.”
Under Project 76, MDL is collaborating with the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau to design and develop India’s first indigenous diesel-electric submarine.
While the Navy faced significant delays in acquiring six diesel-electric submarines under P75 through the strategic partnership model, it continues to pursue domestically developed submarines to meet long-term goals.
Under this project, the Indian Navy plans to build 12 indigenous submarines to replace the 8 Sindhughosh class submarines (Soviet Kilo class) and the 4 Shishumar class submarines acquired from Germany.
MDL’s Role in Advancing Indian Naval Capabilities
Last year, the Indian Navy initiated a project to develop XLUUVs (Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles), marking a significant leap in India’s naval capabilities. Concurrently, Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) expressed keen interest in participating in this pioneering endeavour.
MDL’s involvement in the XLUUV project complements its ongoing efforts to advance India’s naval capabilities, mainly by developing midget submarines. While midget submarines are compact, manned vessels designed for specialised operations, XLUUVs represent a larger, unmanned counterpart capable of autonomous operations and a wider array of missions.
By engaging in projects like the XLUUV initiative, MDL underscores its commitment to advancing India’s maritime security and fostering self-reliance in defence technology. This collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and MDL is a testament to India’s pursuit of technological innovation and its strategic vision to bolster its naval fleet with cutting-edge capabilities.
Vinay Sadham
