S1000 SSK back in the reckoning for Indian Navy?


A combination of factors is understood to be leading to the Indian Navy positively leaning back towards seriously considering the Russo-Italian S1000 submarine for its (Project-75A) second line of diesel-electric attack submarines to be built under technology transfer within the country. The S1000, a joint design and development initiative between Russia’s Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering “Rubin” and Italy’s Fincantieri, is apparently being considered with as much seriousness now as the larger Amur 1650, currently assumed to be the frontrunner for the highly lucrative deal (a good chunk of the Navy favours the Amur). A presentation on the S1000 was made to the Indian Navy in late 2006 and then in early 2008, though the Indian Navy had observed at the time, that the S1000 may be too small for its needs (the fact that anti-surface warfare was a stated secondary profile did not go down well either at the time). The photograph (Figure 4) of the U212’s combat centre was used in the presentation made to the Navy on the S1000.

Note, however, that Rosoboronexport is pushing only the Amur 1650, it’s only the Italian Ministry of Defence that is pushing the S1000, even though Rosobornexport is a partner.

Unlike the DCNS Scorpene line (Project 75), the second line of submarines will look to purchase submarines with air independent propulsion (AIP) systems as standard. And unlike Rubin’s proposed AIP system on the Amur, the Indian Navy is understood to be very keen on the S1000’s AIP system, particularly because its based on the Siemens SiNavyCIS BZM-120 PEM hydrogen fuel cell (Figure 3).

The S1000 also features specialised non-magnetic hull fabrication, a feature that the Navy wants in its next line. The HDW U-214 is almost definitely out of the reckoning — Pakistan is in line to order three from Germany. Also, the Indian Navy is simply not convinced that the Type 214 takes any meaningful advanced technologies from the Type 212/212A of which it is an export derivative.

14 thoughts on “S1000 SSK back in the reckoning for Indian Navy?”

  1. Why can't we get more Scorpenes which are formidable submarines? I'll tell you why: the more "contracts" signed, the greater the opportunity to loot the taxpayer and collect bribes.

  2. I hear the S1000 has a much juicier config than the Amur. And they both take plenty either way from the beautiful kilo, so there's nothing to worry about. Baby is silent at 5 kts. Absolutely silent.

  3. It will be anyday better than amur. plus italians are providing consultancy on ADS project also if i am not mistaken.

  4. Type 214 takes any meaningful advanced technologies from the Type 212/212A of which it is an export derivative.
    ———————————-
    well this is true,type214 is just type1500 with AIP

    and the same IPMS which type214 has going into our type209 so if type209 is fitted with AIP new sonars and other sensors it becomes type214

  5. Where are the Pakis getting the money to buy German submarines to use against us? Oh I forgot, from our BFF USA.

  6. S1000 is a virtually interesting small sub made to protect coasts or do missions no very far from their base. According Fincantieri officials, the Italian Navy has not invested any Euro on it so far.
    It is a purelly export product waiting for a foreign partner to be launched.
    There is someting I do not understand. Why do not wait for "Mesma-ized" Scorpenes (the 3 last subs of the batch of 6) before taking another option, if ever the Navy is not happy with it? Don't you think it is better to have a harmonized fleet instead of a patchwork? It looks like pure greed.
    Ok, the German AIP is sexy. No doubt. But except theory and fantasm, what are its real records?

    Thanks Shiv for making the S1000 get out from the dark. It has been a long time we have not heard anything about it. Do you have some fresh inputs from Fincantieri?

    Just for precision: the U-214 is indeed an export version of the U-212 which is totally unexportable given its price. It is nearly €1 billion, i.e. the price of a Horizonte destroyer.

  7. It will be anyday better than amur. plus italians are providing consultancy on ADS project also if i am not mistaken.
    ——————————
    how its better than amur,infact italy itself buy from germany and never build or designed submarine before

  8. Very informative indeed. But why the navy needs two very similar sub types. ie Scorpene and S1000.
    I think in keeping with our expanding blue water capability we need to go for a bigger boat like S80 or still better the Vidar-36 from BMT

  9. S-1000 seems to so small in size & capable . Pak will get 3 nos sub's from germany , india need to get more powerful then this .To handle Agni-3 sub version s-1000 is not suitable . Navy should select Amur 1650 for better performance . We need to compare with both china/pak before selecting weapons , Govt need to select sub's in fastrack , before pakis places order to germany.

    For self reliance in manufacturing india need to produce sub's in Joint Project with other countries .

    The Sanctions against some abroad manufactures should be withdrawn with waring .

  10. Pointless going for the S1000 which despite its attractive features is nothing more than a small coastal defence sub with limited range. Better to go for the Amur with modifications that suits the IN. I am sure the Russians will oblige.

  11. Why are we buying stuff from mafia don's, Did we not have enough with Quattorachi in Bofors deal – Our madam's uncle

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Scroll to Top