Three more Scorpene submarines will be purchased through the Buy (Indian) category. The submarines will be built in Mumbai by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
Submarines Scorpene and Project-75
- Project-75: MDL is already developing six Scorpene class submarines using technologies transferred from the French defence industry under Project-75.
- Submarines Commissioned: Five of the six Scorpene submarines have been commissioned, with the sixth scheduled to be commissioned early next year.
- Delays and Challenges: Project-75 experienced considerable delays, with the first submarine slated to be delivered in 2012.
Additional Submarines Are Required
- Addressing Delays and Strengthening the Fleet: Three additional submarines are required to compensate for Project-75’s delayed deliveries and to bolster India’s submarine fleet.
- Current Fleet Status: The Indian Navy presently operates 16 conventional submarines, but it need at least 18 submarines to conduct its full range of activities.
- Refit Obstacles: At any one time, approximately 30% of submarines are being refitted, significantly limiting the number of operational submarines.
- Job Creation: Purchasing new submarines with a larger indigenous component will provide job prospects and strengthen MDL’s submarine building capabilities.
Capabilities of Scorpene Submarines
- Attack Submarines: Scorpene submarines are built as traditional attack submarines capable of targeting and sinking enemy naval vessels.
- Weapons and Surveillance: They are equipped with surveillance and intelligence-gathering devices and can unleash a variety of torpedoes and missiles.
- Specifications: Scorpene submarines are approximately 220 feet long and 40 feet tall. When above, they can reach speeds of 11 mph and 20 knots when submerged.
- Diesel-Electric Propulsion: These submarines use diesel-electric propulsion systems, which have a 50-day endurance.
In comparison, nuclear submarines
- Current Nuclear Submarines in India: India presently operates two Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines (SSBMs).
- Nuclear submarines have theoretically limitless endurance and can operate for up to 30 years without refuelling. They can also travel at faster rates.
- Nuclear submarines are expensive to run and necessitate specialised knowledge.
- Innovations in Conventional Submarines: Diesel-electric technology has increased the range and stealth of conventional submarines dramatically.
- Air Independent Propulsion (AIP): Adding AIP systems to Scorpene submarines will improve their endurance and stealth.
@the end
- India’s decision to purchase three new Scorpene submarines increases its naval capability while also strengthening the domestic manufacturing sector.
- These submarines will help satisfy the needs of a growing fleet and increase operational readiness.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/scorpene-class-submarines-indian-navy-8837114/