First submarine, according to RFP, must be delivered 7 yrs after contract signing with 45% indigenous content, followed by one each year until programme reaches 60% localisation.
Navy hoped to finalise contract before 31 March this year, it is learnt. The additional Scorpenes are expected to be larger, more capable in terms of endurance & firepower than existing 6.
The new submarines will see certain design changes and will be similar to the one being supplied to Brazilian Navy. This also makes the 3 slightly larger than the previous 6.
With Beijing also developing various facilities, including a naval base, around the Indian Ocean rim, India’s navy will be challenged in its home waters before long.
Industry says manufacturers have 2-4 weeks of buffer stocks, but prolonged disruption could push up shortage risks, especially of consumables like IV and syringes.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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