A view of the fourth Scorpene-class submarine. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
The contract for three extra Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines is expected to be concluded by end-2024 and first submarine delivered likely in 2031 because the procurement course of is ready to start shortly following the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on July 13.
“The contract is expected to be concluded by end next year and delivery of the first submarine is expected by 2031. If a proven, functional Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module is provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation [DRDO] as per the construction schedule, it will be fitted on the submarines,” a defence official mentioned.
Naval Group and the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on three extra Scorpenes on July 6.
India had contracted six Scorpene-class submarines from Naval Group below a $3.75 bn deal signed in October 2005 below which they had been manufactured by the MDL below expertise switch. The first submarine within the collection, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, second submarine INS Khanderi in September 2019, third one INS Karanj in March 2021, fourth one INS Vela in November 2021 and the fifth one, INS Vagir, in January 2023. The sixth submarine, Vagsheer, is present process trial phases and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in early 2024.
As reported by The Hindu lately, Naval Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pierre Éric Pommellet mentioned the main points of technical options and different parameters, together with delivery lead time, could be complied with the MDL as per the necessities of the Indian Navy.
Higher indigenous content material
A Defence Ministry assertion mentioned the three extra submarines would have increased indigenous content material and would additionally come fitted with the DRDO-developed AIP system to boost their endurance. Confirming this, Mr. Pommellet had mentioned that the indigenous content material could be increased as a number of efforts had been in place in areas of DRDO AIP, fight system amongst others.
Separately, Naval Group is working with the DRDO to combine the indigenous AIP module on the prevailing Scorpene submarines in service as they go for regular refit, starting with INS Kalvari end-2024 or early-2025. Towards this, Naval Group is at the moment supporting the DRDO in qualifying indigenous provider of liquid oxygen tank and preparation of the longer term stage of jumboisation which includes making the brand new hull, combine the AIP safely, reduce the submarine and be part of it with the brand new AIP part.
The Navy at the moment has 16 typical submarines in service, which embody seven Russian Kilo-class submarines, 4 German HDW submarines and 5 Scorpene-class submarines. This is ready to deplete additional within the subsequent decade on account of belated new inductions and within the interim 4 Kilo-class submarines and three German HDWs are being given life extension via the Medium Refit Life Certification (MRLC) course of.