Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), India’s premier warship and submarine builder under the Ministry of Defence, has entered into an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Naval Group to jointly offer evolved Scorpene-class submarines to a friendly foreign nation. The MoU was signed on October 16, 2025, and publicly announced a day later.
Scope of the Agreement
Under this collaboration, MDL and Naval Group will jointly submit proposals for constructing submarines as part of an ongoing foreign acquisition programme. While Naval Group brings the technical expertise and Scorpene-class design, MDL will undertake shipbuilding and integration work in India, leveraging its established facilities and experience.
Prior Collaborations and Technology Transfer
This MoU builds on earlier cooperation between the two firms. In July 2025, MDL and Naval Group signed an agreement for the transfer of technology to install energy system plugs developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) into the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines. These upgrades are aimed at enhancing operational range and underwater endurance.
Integration – Jumboisation Process
The submarine modifications, known as Jumboisation, involve cutting the hull, inserting a new plug section, and rejoining it. Naval Group will provide technical guidance, proprietary materials, and training to MDL engineers. All integration work will be executed at MDL’s Mumbai shipyard, ensuring adherence to stringent defence standards.
Defence Ministry Contracts
MDL and Naval Group have previously received significant contracts from India’s Ministry of Defence:
- ₹1,990 crore contract to MDL for constructing an air-independent propulsion (AIP) plug
- ₹877 crore contract to Naval Group for integrating an electronic heavyweight torpedo (EHWT) system developed by DRDO
These contracts, totaling ₹2,867 crore, underscore the ongoing strategic partnership between India and France in submarine technology and naval modernization.
The new MoU reinforces MDL’s position as a key player in international submarine projects, leveraging technology transfer and collaboration to enhance India’s defence exports while strengthening its domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
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