India and Brazil Sign Tripartite MoU on Maintenance of Scorpene Submarines

India and Brazil have taken an important step in deepening their maritime and defence cooperation with the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines. The agreement highlights the growing convergence between the two countries as major maritime nations and leading voices of the Global South. The MoU was signed during the official visit of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Brazil from December 9 to 12, 2025.

About MoU

• The tripartite MoU was signed between the Indian Navy, the Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• It focuses on the exchange of information related to the maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines, which are operated by both navies, as well as other naval platforms.
• The agreement is aimed at improving life-cycle support, sharing technical expertise, and enhancing cooperation in submarine maintenance and sustainment.

Background of Scorpene-Class Submarines

• The Scorpene class submarines are advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and surveillance missions.
• India operates Scorpene submarines under Project-75, with submarines built in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited under technology transfer.
• Brazil also operates Scorpene submarines as part of its naval modernisation programme, making cooperation in maintenance and logistics mutually beneficial.

Key Objectives of the Agreement

• According to the Indian Navy, the MoU will enhance cooperation in several critical areas.
• These include logistics support, training of personnel, experience sharing, and collaboration in defence research and development.
• The agreement is seen as a major milestone in both Navy-to-Navy and industry-to-industry cooperation, strengthening indigenous capabilities and long-term operational readiness.

Key Takeaways

• India and Brazil signed a tripartite MoU on Scorpene submarine maintenance.
• The MoU involves the Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
• It was signed during CNS Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit to Brazil (Dec 9–12, 2025).
• The agreement focuses on life-cycle support, logistics, training, and R&D.
• Both India and Brazil operate Scorpene class submarines.

Question

Q. India and Brazil signed a tripartite MoU for the maintenance of which class of submarines?

(A) Arihant-class
(B) Scorpene-class
(C) Sindhughosh-class
(D) Kalvari-class