Italian defence firm Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS) has described its recent contract to supply 48 Black Shark Advanced (BSA) heavyweight torpedoes to the Indian Navy as a major enhancement to India’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Signed under the Buy Global category, the agreement provides for integration of the torpedoes across all six Kalvari-class submarines, India’s Scorpene platforms built domestically under Project 75.
WASS Submarine Systems marketing and sales head Andrea Ruffini told ANI that the BSA represents the most advanced heavyweight torpedo currently available, offering exceptional adaptability for both existing and future naval platforms.
Developed in cooperation with the Italian Navy, the BSA incorporates advanced propulsion, guidance systems and high resistance to countermeasures, ensuring effectiveness in highly contested underwater environments.
The torpedo is already in service with seven navies and is being evaluated by four more, with compatibility spanning U-boat class, Scorpene, Västergötland, Kilo and midget submarines.
For the Indian Navy, the induction will significantly enhance the strike capability of the Kalvari fleet, commissioned since 2017, strengthening deterrence against surface and subsurface threats in the Indian Ocean Region.
Valued at ₹1,896 crore, the contract was signed on 30 December 2025 between the Ministry of Defence and WASS, covering associated integration equipment. Deliveries are scheduled from April 2028 through early 2030.
WASS has positioned the deal as a foundation for long-term cooperation, with an emphasis on enabling the Indian Navy to undertake in-country maintenance and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.
The company has also proposed technology transfer and co-production arrangements to support Make in India objectives, potentially localising torpedo propulsion, electronics and warhead manufacturing.
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero highlighted the agreement as strategically important, underscoring India’s growing role in the group’s global naval portfolio amid New Delhi’s expanding maritime modernisation plans.
