New Delhi: The much-anticipated contract for three additional Scorpene submarines, expected to be larger and more capable in terms of endurance and firepower than the existing six, is still awaiting government clearance, despite cost negotiations having concluded in the last fiscal year.
Sources within the defence and security establishment told ThePrint that while the Navy had hoped to finalise the contract before 31 March this year, a formal nod from the “relevant authorities” remains pending.
It was on 11 August 2023 that state-run Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) was approached for the procurement of three conventional Scorpene-class submarines under a repeat order of Project 75. The agreement was to be signed with a delivery schedule of 72 months per submarine.
With the Navy already facing mounting challenges in the underwater domain which are set to grow with continued submarine modernisation by Pakistan and China, the additional Scorpenes were intended to bridge the gap created by delays in the planned Project 75(I).
The Navy processed the case under the Buy (Indian) category as per DAP 2020, which mandates a minimum of 60 percent indigenisation.
However, the Navy was taken aback when MDL initially submitted a bid exceeding Rs 50,000 crore. The bid was sent back by the Navy and a fresh one submitted by the MD.
The new bid was eventually negotiated down to Rs 36,000 crore, as first reported by ThePrint in February this year.
Still, the contract remains stalled, awaiting clearance from the “relevant authorities”, according to sources.
This means both of the Navy’s ongoing submarine projects—additional Scorpenes and Project 75(I)—remain in limbo.
MDL, which has been relying on this contract to maintain momentum at the dockyard, is now left in the lurch. With all six Scorpenes delivered, trained workmen currently have no new projects to work on.
Sources said the Navy is pushing for the deal to be signed soon, especially since it will take at least another 6 years before any new submarine is delivered.
Moreover, the construction of new submarines will help maintain an active supply chain. At present, servicing the existing Scorpene fleet takes longer due to disruptions and inefficiencies in the supply chain, sources said.
The first six Scorpene submarines were built with a paper indicating indigenous content of less than 30 percent. However, in practice, sources say the actual figure is likely below 20 percent.
The new submarines are planned to meet the 60 percent indigenous content requirement, which means a significant number of components will be made in India.
The move is also expected to encourage the French to strengthen their supply chain presence in India, improving the serviceability ratio of the submarines.
It is also expected that MDL could outsource some of the work to private shipyard L&T.
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New Scorpene Vs old
One of the primary differences between the new batch and the original six is size. The new submarines will feature nearly double the mission duration, thanks to improvements in design that include larger accommodations, increased food and water storage, and expanded sanitary and oil storage facilities.
Another key upgrade is in armament. The new submarines will be able to carry more than twice the weapon load of their predecessors and are designed to accommodate additional weapons in the future—provided they fit existing weapon tubes.
While neither the older or newer Scorpenes will be fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems just yet with India’s indigenous AIP still under development, the new ones will feature modernised electric propulsion motors.
These upgrades will ensure lower power consumption and quicker maintenance.
The diesel generators on the new submarines will also be sourced from a different company, chosen for its superior after-sales service and industrial support for the Indian Navy.
These generators are expected to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent and significantly lower vacuum build-up while snorting.
In addition, the new submarines will incorporate a new design that reduces infrared signatures, gas volume, and overall visual profile.
Thanks to their increased size, the upcoming submarines will have greater endurance, range, and mission capability, according to sources.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)