Source: TH
Context: India is set to procure three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines, with the contract expected to be finalized by the end of 2024 (under Indian Navy’s project 75)
More about the News:
- The first submarine delivery is likely to take place around 2031.
- The new submarines will have higher indigenous content and will be equipped with the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing their endurance.
This move aims to bolster the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet, which currently consists of 16 conventional submarines and is expected to deplete over the next decade due to ageing vessels.
Project-75
The Indian Navy’s Project 75 involves the construction of six Scorpene-Class attack submarines. These conventional-powered submarines, weighing 1,500 tonnes and capable of diving up to 300 meters, are being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) (Mumbai) with technology support from France’s Naval Group.
- The first submarine in the series, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in 2017
- Second submarine INS Khanderi in 2019
- The third one is INS Karanj in 2021
- The fourth one is INS Vela in 2021
- Fifth one, INS Vagir, in January 2023
- A sixth submarine, Vagsheer, is undergoing trial phases and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in early 2024.
