Italy and France Battle to Supply Heavyweight Torpedoes for Indian Navy's Kalvari Submarines

The Indian Navy’s race to acquire 48 submarine-launched heavyweight torpedoes has narrowed down to two powerful contenders — Italy’s Black Shark and France’s F21. This high-stakes competition is not just about military hardware; it reflects India’s strategic choices, its Make in India goals, and its partnerships in the evolving Indo-Pacific region.

The tender, expected to be finalised soon, aims to equip the Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines under Project-75, which are modern French-origin Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in partnership with France’s Naval Group.

Germany Exits, Italy Takes Lead

In April 2025, Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) withdrew from the race, altering the landscape significantly. Their exit left Italy’s Black Shark and France’s F21 in direct competition. According to sources, the Italian option may be more cost-effective, which aligns well with India’s policy of balancing performance with affordability.

Italy’s Black Shark: Back From Controversy

The Black Shark torpedo has a long and controversial history in India. It was first selected in 2008-09 as part of a plan to buy 98 torpedoes for the Kalvari submarines. But in 2013, the deal was suspended due to alleged corruption involving its parent company, Finmeccanica (now Leonardo), connected to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.

Despite this setback, the Black Shark is making a comeback. In late 2021, Leonardo was removed from India’s blacklist, and in January 2025, the torpedo division was acquired by Fincantieri, another major Italian defence firm. This acquisition has restored credibility to the offering.

The Black Shark is a 533mm heavyweight torpedo equipped with:

• Aluminium-silver oxide (Al-AgO) battery propulsion

• Speed over 50 knots

• Range up to 50 km

• Advanced ECCM (Electronic Counter-Counter Measures)

• Fibre-optic wire guidance

• 350 kg high-explosive warhead (STANAG 4439 compliant)

Its combination of stealth, speed, and smart tracking makes it a strong fit for the Indian Navy’s needs.

France’s F21: The Modern Challenger

The F21 torpedo, built by Naval Group, was developed under France’s Artémis program to replace its old F17 Mod 2 torpedoes. The F21 is already in service with the French Navy and Brazil, and has proven itself operationally.

Key specifications include:

• 533mm NATO-standard diameter

• Length: 6 meters

• Weight: 1,550 kg

• Speed over 50 knots

• Range over 50 km

• Operational depth: 10 to 500 meters

• Wire-guided launch, acoustic homing in terminal phase

• Al-AgO battery system

• Advanced sonar, data fusion, and fibre-optic datalink

Its real-time data processing, multi-mode homing, and counter-countermeasure resistance make it one of the most technologically advanced torpedoes in the world.

Kalvari-Class Needs Urgent Arming

The Kalvari-class submarines are India’s frontline attack submarines. Armed with six 533mm torpedo tubes, they can carry torpedoes, missiles, and sea mines. Five submarines are already in service, with the sixth nearing completion. These subs feature:

• SUBTICS combat system

• Advanced sonar

• Crew: 25 to 31

• Stealth optimized for modern naval warfare

Without a suitable torpedo, these submarines cannot fully operate in combat roles, making this procurement urgent.

India’s Indigenous Torpedo Drive

Alongside the foreign acquisition, India is developing its own torpedoes. The DRDO’s Takshak (Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo or EHWT) is an advanced version of the Varunastra torpedo. In December 2024, India signed a deal worth ₹877 crore with Naval Group France to integrate the indigenous Takshak with the Kalvari-class.

This step not only supports self-reliance in defence (Atmanirbhar Bharat) but also allows technology transfer and future collaboration.

Make in India

Both France and Italy have shown interest in local production partnerships, in line with India’s Make in India initiative. Fincantieri has proposed setting up local manufacturing, which could help lower costs and boost Indian industry.

The Indian Navy is expected to open price bids by July 2025 for the first batch of 48 torpedoes, with a larger total requirement of over 200 units anticipated in the future.

Strategic Decision Beyond Technology

While both Black Shark and F21 meet the Navy’s technical needs, the final decision will likely hinge on:

• Cost-effectiveness

• Technology transfer

• Make in India commitments

• Long-term geopolitical alignment

This torpedo competition highlights the complex mix of military need, industrial collaboration, and strategic partnerships that now define India’s modern defence procurement.

Whichever torpedo India chooses, it will play a key role in securing India's maritime interests in the Indian Ocean, bolstering underwater warfare capabilities for decades to come.