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.
Vagsheer, the 6th & last Scorpene-class submarine, was ordered in 2005 & launched in April 2022. The guided missile Nilgiri-class frigate will be the first of 7 new stealth frigates.
This deployment by the Indian Navy Friday is a stark contrast to the submarine history of the last two decades that has seen the arm hit by dwindling strength, accidents and write-offs.
INS Vagir has sailed continuously since its deployment in June except for one port stop in Sri Lanka, resurfacing every 3-4 days to recharge its batteries for a few hours.
The 3 new submarines are being built by the Mazagon Dock Ltd Shipyard in Mumbai, in partnership with France's Naval Group. They are designed for hunting down enemy submarines & surface ships.
India has a 30-year plan that ends in 2030, to induct 24 submarines including 18 diesel-electric and six nuclear-powered SSNs. Only 6 conventional submarines have been made so far.
Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council cleared proposals for procurement of the fighter aircraft and submarines just after PM left for his official visit to France, it is learnt.
PM Modi visits France next week for Bastille Day. Talks between NSA Ajit Doval & the diplomatic adviser to French President, Emmanuel Bonne, part of preparations for Modi’s visit.
This policy unpredictability is accelerating India's brain drain, particularly in tech and digital innovation, where skilled professionals seek more stable environments abroad.
ED has accused Amtek promoter Arvind Dham of controlling web of nearly 500 shell companies operating as a layered structure, with up to 15 levels of indirect ownership, to divert funds.
China flaunted military might & modernisation as it displayed stealth drones, anti-satellite system & cyber warfare contingent during parade to mark victory over Japan in WWII.
From Munir’s point of view, a few bumps here and there is par for the course. He isn’t going to drive his dumper truck to its doom. He wants to use it as a weapon.
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