India is expanding its naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean through the acquisition of three state-of-the-art Scorpene-class submarines from France. This deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France. With the addition of these submarines, India aims to enhance its underwater capabilities and strengthen its naval presence in the region.
India’s Expansion: Three New Submarines
India, already equipped with six Scorpene-class submarines, has decided to purchase three more. These diesel-electric submarines, also known as Kalvari-class, are being constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France, a renowned defence company. Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) Shipyard in Mumbai is overseeing their production. The acquisition of these submarines aligns with India’s P75 (I) programme, which focuses on building six conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling prolonged underwater operations.
Scorpene-class Submarines: Stealthy and Powerful
The Scorpene-class submarines possess advanced features that contribute to their exceptional performance. These submarines, measuring 67.56 meters in length, exhibit outstanding mobility and discretion, allowing them to operate effectively in both open ocean and coastal waters. With a surface displacement of 1,615 tonnes and a submerged displacement of 1,775 tonnes, the Scorpene-class submarines are capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, missiles, and mines. The submarines feature six weapon-launching tubes and can reach speeds exceeding 20 knots underwater, with the ability to remain submerged for 50 days.
Developed by the Naval Group of France, the Scorpene-class submarines are designed for diverse missions such as surface vessel warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, and intelligence gathering. They are renowned for their exceptional stealth capabilities and impressive speed.
Strengthening Arsenal: The Torpedo Dilemma
It is worth noting that the six Scorpene submarines currently in service with the Indian Navy do not possess heavyweight torpedoes as their main weapon. Instead, they are utilizing a Russian-made torpedo that has undergone life extension. The Indian Navy originally planned to procure “Black Shark” torpedoes from the Italian firm WASS, which is owned by Finmeccanica (previously known as Leonardo). However, the decision on whether to opt for the Italian heavyweight torpedo or the Naval Group’s proposed F 21 torpedo is yet to be finalized.
AIP System: Advancing Indigenous Technology
The three newly acquired Scorpene submarines will be equipped with an indigenous AIP system. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Naval Group of France signed an agreement in January to install an indigenous AIP system on the Kalvari-class submarines. Additionally, all six existing Scorpene submarines will undergo retrofitting to incorporate AIP technology. Although the project has faced delays, as per the original plan, the fifth and sixth Scorpene submarines were intended to have indigenous AIP systems on board.
India’s Naval Strength: A Comprehensive Fleet
Alongside the Scorpene-class submarines, the Indian Navy currently operates a fleet of 16 conventional submarines. This fleet consists of seven Russian Sindhughosh-class submarines, four German Shishumar-class submarines, and five Scorpene-class submarines. The sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine procured under the P-75 program, INS Vagsheer, recently commenced its sea trials in May. In addition, India possesses two nuclear-powered ballistic missile-carrying submarines of the Arihant-class.
India’s procurement of three additional Scorpene-class submarines signifies a significant stride in enhancing its naval power and strengthening its position in the Indian Ocean. These submarines, equipped with advanced technology and formidable capabilities, will bolster India’s underwater dominance in the region, ensuring its maritime security and influence in the years to come.