Italian defence giant Fincantieri has secured a major contract, valued at over €200 million, to supply its advanced Black Shark torpedoes to the Indian Navy. The deal, executed through its subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems, will arm India’s fleet of six Scorpène-class submarines with cutting-edge underwater weaponry.
In a landmark move for European-Indian defence cooperation, Italy’s storied naval technology group has landed its biggest-ever contract. Fincantieri, through its specialized subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems (WASS), will equip the Indian Navy with a suite of heavyweight torpedoes, marking a strategic deepening of ties in a key maritime region. This isn’t just a simple arms sale; it’s a comprehensive partnership that underscores the growing trust and industrial alignment between New Delhi and European defence leaders.
The cornerstone of the deal is the Black Shark Advanced (BSA) torpedo, a formidable weapon already trusted by the Italian Navy and six other nations. The contract, reported by Fincantieri, represents the single largest order in the 150-year history of WASS. But what makes this torpedo so sought-after? The BSA is renowned as an international benchmark, praised not just for its lethal performance and stealth but also for its reliability and reduced lifecycle costs. It’s a sophisticated piece of engineering designed to dominate the underwater battlespace with its advanced guidance systems and innovative operational capabilities.
Deliveries of these powerful weapons are scheduled to roll out between 2028 and 2030, according to the company’s announcement. They will be manufactured at the WASS facility in Livorno, Italy, a globally recognized center of excellence for underwater systems. The agreement goes beyond just the torpedoes themselves. It includes the supply of the complete launching network tailored for the Scorpène-class submarines, along with maintenance equipment and spare parts. This turnkey approach ensures the Indian Navy receives fully integrated support, maximizing the fleet’s operational readiness from day one.
For Fincantieri, this contract is a masterstroke in its long-term geopolitical and industrial strategy. Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, emphasized the deal’s significance, stating, “This 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.” He further highlighted the broader vision, noting the goal is to “build enduring industrial and institutional partnerships in a region that plays an increasingly pivotal role in global maritime security.”
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The strategic implications are clear. This deal solidifies Fincantieri’s footprint in the competitive Indian defence market, creating a foundation for future “cross-selling synergies.” It positions the Italian group not just as a supplier, but as a trusted long-term partner for India’s naval modernization. As the Indo-Pacific region grows in strategic importance, the Indian Navy’s enhancement with leading-edge European technology is a development watched closely by allies and adversaries alike. This €200 million pact is more than a transaction; it’s a signal of a deepening defence relationship and a significant upgrade to India’s underwater deterrence capabilities.
