Fincantieri Group secured a contract through its subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. to supply heavyweight torpedoes to the Indian Navy for deployment on six Kalvari-class submarines under Project 75. The contract covers the procurement and integration of 48 Black Shark Advanced heavyweight torpedoes along with associated equipment, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and early 2030.
According to a press release issued by Fincantieri, the agreement is valued at over EUR 200 million, equivalent to approximately INR 18.96 billion, making it the largest contract in WASS’s history. The torpedoes will be manufactured at WASS’s facility in Livorno, Italy, and supplied as fully built units to meet the Indian Navy’s near-term operational requirements.
“The agreement marks a key strategic step for Fincantieri in India, a market of central importance in our long-term international growth strategy and one of the most dynamic naval hubs globally,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri. “Strengthening our presence in India means building enduring industrial and institutional partnerships in a region that plays an increasingly pivotal role in global maritime security.”
The Black Shark Advanced is a 533 millimetre heavyweight torpedo designed for operations against submarines and surface vessels. It uses fibre-optic wire guidance and an electric propulsion system powered by aluminium–silver oxide batteries. The system is already in service with the Italian Navy and several other international users, and its compatibility with the Kalvari-class submarines is expected to limit the scope of software and hardware integration work.
In addition to the torpedoes, the contract includes the supply of launching network systems for the submarines, maintenance equipment, and related spare parts. The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that the acquisition would enhance the combat capability of the six Kalvari-class submarines. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.
Production for this batch will take place entirely in Italy. The procurement has been positioned as an interim measure to address a long-standing capability gap, enabling the Indian Navy to induct operational weapons within a defined timeframe.
While the current order does not involve manufacturing in India, WASS and its parent group have indicated interest in expanding industrial engagement in the country for future requirements. Discussions have been initiated with Indian defence manufacturers, including Bharat Dynamics Limited and Larsen & Toubro, for potential local manufacturing and integration linked to subsequent heavyweight torpedo programmes.
WASS also has an existing collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited dating back to 2005 for submarine countermeasure systems, involving technology transfer and partial indigenisation.
Fincantieri Group is an Italian shipbuilding and defence company with activities spanning naval vessels, offshore platforms, and underwater systems. WASS Submarine Systems, based in Livorno, focuses on the development and production of torpedoes and underwater defence technologies for naval customers.
