The deal for the production of three new Scorpene submarines, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his visit to France, will be signed by the end of 2024. On July 13, the Defence Acquisition Council granted ‘acceptance of necessity’ for the acquisition of three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines.
Indian Navy to Get Scorpene Submarines by 2031
The deal for these submarines is likely to be settled by the end of next year, with the first submarine expected to be delivered in 2031. India had previously contracted six Scorpene-class submarines from the French-based Naval Group under a $3.5 billion deal signed in 2005. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited built these submarines under technology transfer.
INS Kalvari, the first Scorpene Submarine in the series, was launched in December 2017, followed by INS Khanderi in September 2019, INS Karanj in March 2021, INS Vela in November 2021, and INS Vagir in January 2023. INS Vagsheer, the sixth scorpene submarine, is currently undergoing trials and is scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy in early 2024.
According to the Defence Ministry, the three more submarines would have more indigenous content and will be equipped with the DRDO-developed air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which will increase their endurance.
According to a defence official, if the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) delivers a proven and functional AIP module on time, it would be integrated into the submarines. Furthermore, the Naval Group is partnering with DRDO to integrate the indigenous AIP module into the currently in-service Scorpene submarines during their routine refits.
This process will begin with INS Kalvari at the end of 2024 or early 2025 when the ship undergoes its first overhaul. Naval Group is actively aiding DRDO in qualifying an indigenous supplier for the liquid oxygen tank and preparing for submarine integration, which includes cutting the submarine in half, safely integrating the AIP, and joining the submarine with the new AIP portion.
The Indian Navy currently has 16 conventional submarines in service, including seven Russian Kilo-class submarines, four German HDW submarines, and five Scorpene-class submarines.
However, the number is expected to fall over the next decade as older submarines retire. As a stopgap solution, four Kilo-class submarines and three German HDWs are having their lives extended under the medium-refit life certification process. With the new scorpene submarines expected to arrive by 2031, the Indian Navy will be able to substantially expand its maritime capabilities.
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