The Scorpenes and the P75I are meant to replace the older subs, so we can end up with a single or 2 types of SSKs at the end after phasing out U209 and Kilos. Yes the S80s are reportedy facing troubles and their AIP system isn't ready and proven now. Given the financial issues of Spain today, funds for further developments might be an issue too, so I have my doubts on that sub. But now the Germans and the French can offer a sub with both, AIP and VLS, although I wonder if we could buy the Barracuda class now and fit an own nuclear propulsion to it, which so far was only possible with Scorpene hulls.
Yes but we're constantly learning a lot in constructing one type of SSK, and then losing all the know-how as we
go to build an entirely different SSK platform. We could have easily build improved versions of U209 considering we
already had the license, and then directly gone for an AIP SSK from same supplier (HDW), would've saved quite
a LOT of trouble, time & money.
We are indeed running the risk of losing a lot of time again if we go for a different class of subs (other than S80),
but the whole situation appears quite cocky - we might have no choice if the problems don't sort out. I would say
scrapping P-75I and just ordering a further batch of 6-9 Scorpenes, this time with MESMA Fuel Cell AIP, or the
DRDO one, if it actually works out. An SLCM version of the BrahMos-M that can fit in the TTubes should solve the
missiles problem without need for VLS (considering underwater applications has been mentioned in BrahMos-M poster).
Yes, Barracuda is indeed said to be among the foreign designs being considered for the SSN project (for which 6 subs
have recently been outlined, and between 9 to 18 could be built in future). The displacement requirement is said to be
in the region of 5,000 tons, which perfectly fits for the Barracuda. The pumpjet propulsion and the sleek body should
be it's winning points.
But it may be rejected in favour of a downscaled Arihant design. Either way the N-reactor & armament will have to be
indigenous.