On 16 Oct, 2025 – Naval Group France and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) have signed an extension of their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen cooperation for the joint export of submarines to a mutually friendly country.
This renewed MoU builds upon the original agreement signed in July 2023, reaffirming the long standing Indo-French partnership in the field of submarine design, engineering, and advanced naval technology. The extension underscores the shared vision of both the firm’s to jointly explore and develop opportunities for exporting India-built latest generation of Scorpène-class submarines to international partners.
The collaboration is fully aligned with the broader Indo-French Horizon 2047 roadmap, which seeks to deepen strategic cooperation between the two nations in defence, security, and innovation, marking 25 years of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
Under this extended MoU, Naval Group and MDL will continue to leverage their complementary strengths – Naval Group’s proven expertise in submarine design and combat systems, and MDL’s robust industrial capabilities and track record in indigenous submarine construction under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Marie-Laure Bourgeois, Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing at Naval Group, said “This continued partnership reflects the mutual trust and technological synergy built over years of cooperation. We remain committed to supporting MDL in enhancing India’s role in the global naval ecosystem while contributing to regional maritime security.”
Further, Commodore S B Jamgaonkar, IN (Retd), Director Submarines and Heavy Engineering division at MDL, stated that “The extension of this MoU is a significant step forward in positioning India as a global hub for submarine manufacturing and export. Together with Naval Group, we aim to harness our industrial capabilities to deliver advanced and reliable platforms for partner nations.”
This extension marks another milestone in the enduring collaboration between France and India, reinforcing their joint commitment to fostering self-reliance, innovation, and strategic autonomy in the maritime defence sector.
MDL, a Navratna DPSU of India
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, is one of the leading shipbuilding yards in India. It was taken over by the Government in 1960, and grew rapidly to become the premier war shipbuilding yard in India, producing warships for the Navy and offshore structures for the Bombay High. It has grown from a single unit, small ship repair company, into a multi-unit and multi-product company, with significant rise in production, use of modern technology and sophistication of products. The company’s current portfolio of designs spans a wide range of products for both domestic and overseas clients. Since 1960, MDL has built total 805 vessels including 30 warships, from advanced destroyers to missile boats and 8 submarines. MDL has successfully built 6 Scorpène® class submarines for the Indian Navy under P75 program.
Naval Group, a long-term partner of India
Naval Group is present in India through its 100% subsidiary Naval Group India. Established in September 2008, Naval Group India’s mission has been to support the indigenisation of equipment for Scorpene® submarine, to develop the Indian defence eco-system, as well as to develop design services in India with talented Indian engineers.
Naval Group India endeavours to implement the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and evolve as centre of excellence for support and maintenance of P75 submarines by further empowering Indian industries and creating a robust eco-system that can cater to the varied defence needs of the country.
