India’s state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has announced the successful completion of a ‘Normal Refit’ on an Indian Navy EKM Class (Kilo Class) submarine.

India’s Ministry of Defence had inked a contract for refit of INS SINDHUKIRTI at HSL, Visakhapatnam in March 2023.  The submarine refit costed at INR 934 crore (USD 112.5 million) and was also a step towards HSL undertaking Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) for KILO class submarines.

As per HSL, this was the fastest-ever completion of such a complex refit. The Normal Refit of KILO class submarines involves a complete and extensive hull survey along with major routine maintenance on its main equipment such as the main engine, gearbox, pumps, etc.

According to Cmde Hemant Khatri, CMD of HSL, the refit involved extensive work, which also included the first-ever modification and testing of both escape hatches for Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) on any conventional submarine refitted by an Indian shipyard.

India had acquired 10 KILO class submarines from Russia between 1986 and 2000. INS SINDHUKIRTI was commissioned in November 1989 as the third KILO class diesel electric submarine inducted into the Indian Navy.

HSL is also eyeing the refit of an Indian SCORPENE class submarine, as also the MRLC of SINDHUGHOSH class submarines (HDW Class 209 Type 1500) and submarine construction under Projects P75(I) and P76.

INS SHANKUSH, the second of four of the navy’s HDW Class 209 Type 1500 boats is undergoing a refit at the state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL). INS Shankush is expected to be operational by 2026. The MRLC of the first boat, INS SHISHUMAR was completed in 2023, and both submarines will remain in service till the mid-2030s.

HSL is also in discussions with the Vietnam People's Navy (VPN) for submarine refits. Vietnam had inked a $2 billion dollar deal with Russia in 2009 for 6 KILO class submarines.

The Indian Navy operates 17 operational conventional submarines - Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) and 2 indigenously built nuclear-propelled submarines (SSBN). INS ARIHANT, India’s first indigenously built nuclear submarine was commissioned into service in August 2016, followed by INS ARIGHAAT in August 2024. INS ARIHANT returned from its first deterrence patrol in late 2018 and the most recent launch of one of its Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) took place in October 2022.

The navy’s conventional diesel-electric submarines comprise 6 French SCORPENE class submarines, along with 4 German Type 1500 submarines and 7 Russian KILO class submarines. India will acquire an additional 3 SCORPENE submarines with a formal contract awaited.

 In December 2024, the Indian MoD inked two contracts with MDL and Naval Group worth approximately INR 2,867 crore (USD 112.5 million). MDL in partnership with Naval Group will undertake the construction and integration of a Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system on Indian SCORPENE submarines.

The Indian SCORPENE submarines will undergo a complex process known as ‘Jumboisation,’ which will involve precision cutting of the hull and the safe insertion of the AIP plug, and the re-joining of the structure to deliver a safe and fully operational submarine.

Naval Group has also been contracted to undertake the integration of India’s indigenously developed Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) onto the SCORPENE.

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