India will get 6 more advance conventional submarines for Rs 40,000 crore

The Indian Navy currently has a submarine fleet consisting of 9 Russian-origin Kilo-class vessels; 4 German-origin HDW boats; 6 French-origin Scorpene submarines being built by Mazagon Dock Ltd.

The ministry of defence on Thursday, January 31, cleared the procurement of 6 advanced submarines for ‘over Rs 40,000 crore‘ (Rs 400 billion). This acquisition, codenamed Project 75-I, has been in the pipeline for a decade.

The 6 submarines will have ‘air independent propulsion‘, which will allow them to remain submerged for up to 14 days, during which it is difficult to detect them. Conventional diesel-electric submarines must surface every 48 to 72 hours to charge their batteries, when they become vulnerable to detection.

‘This is the second project under the MoD‘s ambitious Strategic Partnership model that envisages indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian SP who will collaborate with a foreign original equipment manufacturerto set up production facilities in the country,‘ stated the MoD.

‘Today‘s Defence Acquisition Council approval would be the second such (SP model) project following indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters that was approved in August 2018,‘ the MoD pointed out.

In 2017, the navy sent out ‘requests for information‘ to a number of global OEMs, soliciting interest in Project 75-I. The navy chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba, stated in December 2017 that four vendors had come forward: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems from Germany, Kockums from Sweden, Naval Group from France and Rosoboronexport from Russia.

This has opened the door for a two-track process: Floating a global tender to select the OEM, while simultaneously going ahead with shortlisting prospective Indian SP firms. Once that is done, the SPs will bid in partnership with their chosen OEMs.

The selection and contracting process and the actual building of 6 submarines could take another decade.

Meanwhile, the navy will make do with a depleted conventional submarine fleet that consists of 9 Russian-origin Kilo-class vessels; 4 German-origin HDW boats; 6 French-origin Scorpene submarines being built by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai.

In addition, the Indian Navy operates one Akula-class nuclear submarine leased from Russia, and plans to build 6 indigenous nuclear attack submarines.

There will also be 4 to 6 Arihant-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines. These will be a part of India‘s nuclear deterrent, with no role in conventional naval warfighting.

 

 

 

Source:- Stock Daily Dish- Ajai shukla

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • News

$155M for Artillery: Armenia Signs Another Arms Deal with India

The Indian press, referring to a November 9 statement released by the local Bharat Forge…

2 years ago
  • News

2nd Order For India? After BrahMos, Vietnam May Purchase Indo-Israeli Barak 8 Missile Defense System – Reports

According to recent Israeli media reports, Vietnam is looking to acquire the Indo-Israeli Barak 8…

2 years ago
  • News

Indian defence forces to get emergency powers to acquire critical weapon systems through fast-track route

Seeking to further strengthen operational preparedness, India is likely to allow defence forces to buy…

2 years ago
  • News

We are more than prepared in cyber warfare: A retired Brigadier

As we are celebrating 75 anniversary of India’s independence, we are reminded of the sacrifices…

2 years ago
  • News

IAF to soon get 5th Gen advanced fighter jet AMCA, design revealed

India will soon have a combat aircraft rivalling Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning…

2 years ago
  • News

Indian P 75I submarine plan unrealistic, timelines cannot be met: Russian designers

After pulling out of the contest for new submarines required by the Indian Navy, Russian…

2 years ago