Project-76 SSK – Strengthening Indian Navy’s Coastal Defensebr br The Indian Navy is launching a new Project-76 SSK submarine program, following the earlier Project-75 and Project-75I initiatives. It will feature larger and more advanced submarines with cutting-edge indigenous technologies.br br These new diesel-electric attack submarines are expected to have a displacement of over 2,500 tons, significantly larger than previous models.br br A major technological highlight is the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, allowing submarines to stay submerged for over two weeks without surfacing.br br The submarines are expected to feature cruise missile systems, including BrahMos and BrahMos-NG, possibly launched through Vertical Launch Systems (VLS).br br The project aims to enhance self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by increasing domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign technology.br br This comes as India seeks to expand its submarine fleet, which currently has 16 operational submarines against the sanctioned strength of 24, amid rising undersea activity in the Indian Ocean Region.br br The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, along with DRDO and private firms like Larsen & Toubro, are working on the initial design phase.br br The first submarine under Project-76 is expected to begin construction around 2030.