The Defense Ministry has approved the construction of six conventional submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of about Rs 43,000 crore. In view of China’s rapidly growing naval capabilities, this important decision has been taken with the aim of enhancing India’s capabilities.
These submarines will be built as part of a strategic partnership that allows domestic defense equipment manufacturers to build state-of-the-art military platforms in partnership with leading foreign defense manufacturing companies to reduce dependence on exports.
Other important tasks like issuance of Request for Proposal (RFP) for the specifications of submarines and the mega project, have been completed by different teams of the Ministry of Defense and the Indian Navy. He said that this project will be implemented over a period of 12 years.
The DAC has approved issuance of RFP or tender for shipbuilders Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and state-run Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL).
With which foreign company these two companies want to join hands for the project, it will be their own decision. Sources said that it is expected that the RFP will be issued within a month and the contract will be awarded after assessing the response of L&T and MDL on it.
Separate teams of the Ministry of Defense and the Navy have completed all the ground work including all the requirements and specifications of the submarines required for the release of RPF of this project.
The Indian Navy plans to buy 24 new submarines, including six nuclear-capable submarines, to enhance its combat capability. It currently has 15 conventional submarines and two nuclear submarines.
In view of China’s ever-increasing efforts to increase its military capability in the Indian Ocean, the Navy is focusing on significantly enhancing all its capabilities.
According to an estimate, the Chinese Navy currently has 50 submarines and about 350 ships. In the next eight to ten years, it can have more than 500 ships and submarines.
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