Table of Contents
ABOUT SCORPENE TYPE SUBMARINE
- Scorpène is the conventional submarine designed by Naval Group for the export market.
- Today 14 Scorpène submarines are in operational service or being built, for the Chilean Navy (2 units), the Malaysian Navy (2 units), the Indian Navy (6 units) and the Brazilian Navy (4 units).
PROGRAMS OF INDIAN NAVY FOR SUBMARINES
- According to official documents, the Indian Navy has two ongoing conventional submarine programs, with a third one on the way.
PHASE I PROJECT – 75
- Six submarines of Scorpene class are to be constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai.
- Two Submarines of the project namely INS Kalvari and Khanderi have been commissioned in December 2017 and September 2019 respectively.
- The balance submarines are likely to be inducted every nine months. The last submarine is likely to be delivered in June 2022.
PHASE I PROJECT – 75(I)
- Six submarines are to be constructed under P-75(I) under the Strategic Partnership model promulgated by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 31 May 2017.
- AoN for the case has been accorded by DAC on 27 February 2019. The induction of the submarines would be between 2027-2032.
PHASE II
- Twelve submarines of an indigenous design are envisaged to be constructed in India in this phase with the experience gained and technology absorbed from construction of submarines under Phase I.
- INS Karanj was launched by MDL on 31 January 2018.
- The submarine is expected to be commissioned with the Indian Navy in the coming weeks.
AIR-INDEPENDENT PROPULSION
- Conventional submarines use a diesel-electric engine, and must surface for oxygen required for fuel combustion.
- Diesel-electric submarines therefore have less underwater endurance.
- ‘Air-independent’ propulsion technology helps to make the diesel generator less dependent on surface air.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THESE SUBMARINES
- The nuclear powered and diesel-electric submarines have their designated roles in the Carrier Battle Groups, which are formations of ships and submarines with Aircraft Carriers at the lead role.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THESE SUBMARINES
- As per the basic principles of submarine deployment and the minimum requirement for India to create a strategic deterrence, there is a specific number of submarines of both types that India needs to have in active service.
- Currently, India has less number of submarines than what is required with some more of those from both types being at various stages of construction.
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