In 1999, India approved a 30-year submarine construction plan for 24 conventional subs. Now, the Indian Defence Ministry has revised its plans in light of the.
1263
Ajay Banerjee
New Delhi, June 4
The Ministry of Defence on Friday okayed the proposal to issue a formal tender for a Rs 43,000 crore project to construct six new-generation stealth conventional submarines in India.
A foreign manufacturer will tie up with an Indian partner under what is termed as ‘strategic partnership (SP) model’ to make these under-sea vessels for nearly $ 5.8 Billion. The SP model entails foreign manufacturers working in India at the facility of its Indian partner.
India has asked for submarines, that will run on a mix of Diesel-electric power, to have air-independent propulsion (AIP). An AIP adds to be submergence capabilities, allowing the submarine to dive for 12-15 days, much more than the 4-5 days endurance of conventional subs.
Noting that there was a long-pending need of the Indian Army for modernisation of its air defence guns, the Defence Ministry said: "These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources. With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat and Make in India , an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received."