New Delhi: The Indian Navy is preparing to buy three diesel-powered attack submarines being built in collaboration with France. For this, the Navy can soon approach the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). The Air Independent Powered (AIP) submarines are to be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
According to the information, the contract to build three AIP submarines will be given to MDL based on the special needs of the Indian Navy. MDL has already built six French Scorpene-based Kalvari class submarines for the Indian Navy. INS Vagsheer is expected to be commissioned into the Navy before March 2024.
The AIP, fitted with three submarines, will be developed by DRDO. The French Naval Group will test it. After the test, this AIP will be installed in submarines. India, in collaboration with France, wants to upgrade its submarine fleet with three nuclear-powered conventional weapon-armed submarines.
The decision to acquire nuclear attack submarines may take procedural time. India is expected to get a nuclear attack submarine in exchange for the already leased INS Chakra in 2025 under a contract with Russia. India made this deal with Russia long before the Start of the Ukrainian War.
For India, the neighbouring China is also a big challenge in the sea. China has strengthened its military fleet with eight nuclear ballistic missile submarines and 12 Shang and Han-class nuclear-powered attack submarines.
Meanwhile, a third is also set to be ready with two aircraft carriers of the People’s Liberation Army, which can soon start patrolling the sea. In such a situation, India will also have to keep a big defense preparation in the sea.