Italy’s Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS) and France’s Naval Group are vying to supply heavyweight torpedoes to the Indian Navy for its Kalvari-class submarines, with a tender for 48 torpedoes issued amid a total requirement exceeding 200 under the Make in India initiative. The Italian Black Shark torpedo, now backed by the restructured company Fincantieri, presents itself as a cost-effective option, featuring advanced capabilities such as a range of 50 km and speeds over 50 knots. In contrast, France’s F21 torpedo, already operational in the French and Brazilian navies, offers proven technology and established support. The competition is intensified by the absence of German options following TKMS’s withdrawal and the Indian Navy’s reliance on outdated Russian torpedoes, highlighting an urgent operational need. WASS’s strategy includes local production partnerships, aligning with India’s defense aspirations and enhancing self-reliance in defense capabilities, bolstered by the DRDO’s ongoing indigenous developments like the Varunastra torpedo. The upcoming decision will not only shape India’s underwater warfare capabilities but also influence future defense partnerships and technology transfers, making cost considerations and industrial collaboration critical factors in the selection process.
