MDL inks MoU with Indian and Brazilian navies for Scorpène sub maintenance

December 11, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Indian shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy (IN) and the Brazilian Navy (BN) to strengthen cooperation in the maintenance of Scorpène-class submarines and other naval ships.

As informed, the agreement was signed on December 9, 2025, in Brasilia, marking a significant milestone in India–Brazil defense collaboration.

The tripartite MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for the exchange of technical information, maintenance philosophies, industrial practices, spare parts support, and personnel training, aimed at enhancing operational availability and lifecycle support for Scorpène-class platforms operated by both India and Brazil.

Specifically, the partners will actively exchange technical expertise related to maintenance procedures, repair methodologies, special tools, equipment, and lifecycle support for submarines and military ships, while also cooperating across the wider defence industrial ecosystem. This includes manufacturers, technology providers, spare-part suppliers, and shipyard infrastructure developers.

The MoU also promotes joint research, development, innovation, and training in weapon systems, machinery, and other critical naval technologies.

The signatories pledge to meet annually, alternating between India and Brazil, to review advancements, share best practices, assess high-relevance maintenance cases, and identify future opportunities for cooperation. They will eaffirm strict protocols for confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive information in accordance with national regulations and international commitments.

Moreover, the MoU specifies that no financial transfers will occur between the Parties, with each retaining full autonomy and responsibility for its own costs, the officials noted.

The Scorpene is a 2000-ton conventional-propulsion submarine designed and developed by Naval Group for all types of missions, such as surface vessel warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, or intelligence gathering.

The series of six submarines of the P75 program, also known as the Kalvari class, is fitted with equipment built in India. MDL has successfully absorbed the technology transfer from Naval Group, in line with the Indian Government’s “Make in India” policy. The units are 67.5 meters long with a height of about 12.3 meters. They are fitted with 360 battery cells (each weighing 750 kg) powering the permanently magnetized propulsion motor.

INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of Project 75 (Scorpene class), was delivered to the Indian Navy on January 9, 2025.