India's Ministry of Defence has decided to spend 600 billion rupees (US$9.46 billion) on six new submarines to bolster its navy's capabilities, according to Indian media reports.

According to the PTI news agency, the Indian Ministry of Defence will soon announce a tender for this "mega" project, after a high-level committee submitted a report assessing the shipyards' capabilities to undertake it.

"The committee has inspected all shipyards in the country and recently submitted a report. The Ministry of Defence is reviewing it," a defence source said.

Although the identities of the shipyards on the shortlist have not yet been revealed, sources indicate that a Proposal will be submitted soon after the report is thoroughly reviewed.

Six submarines are about to be built as part of India's Project 75, which was approved last October. The project is intended for domestic use, rather than importation.

The main feature of these submarines is their air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which allows them to operate underwater for longer periods than conventional submarines. In addition, their stealth capabilities are also enhanced.

The Indian Navy currently has 13 submarines in service, and aims to increase that number to 24 by 2030. In April, the country launched its first submarine, the Kalvari, one of six Scorpene-class submarines also under Project 75. It is expected to be delivered to the navy by September 2016 after completing trials.

(According to The Hindu/Dan Tri Newspaper)