Modi Government Begins Procedure For Building Submarines Under 'Make in India' Programme For Indian Navy
The proposal for constructing six submarines was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council on January 31 this year.
New Delhi, June 20: The Modi government on Thursday began the procedure for building six submarines for the Indian Navy under 'Make in India' programme. The cost of constructing six advanced diesel-electric submarines, as part of the Project 75-I, is estimated at Rs 45000 crores. The submarines will be constructed in India. The proposal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council on January 31 this year.
The leading international submarine manufacturers who are interested in the project will need to work with an Indian Strategic Partner (SP). The government on Thursday issued the Expression of Interest(s) for shortlisting of potential SPs. Indian companies are expected to respond to today's announcement within two months. If all goes well, India could become a global hub for submarine design and production. Defence Secretary Reviews Submarine, Warship Projects in Mumbai.
"The Indian companies would be shortlisted based on their capability for integration of system of systems, expertise in shipbuilding domain and the financial strength," said the Ministry of Defence. "The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) would be shortlisted primarily based on their submarine design meeting the Indian Navy’s Qualitative Requirements and qualifying the Transfer of Technology and Indigenous Content (IC) criteria," it added. Indian Navy Launches 4th Scorpene-Class Submarine Vela in Mumbai.
"All six submarines under this project will be built in India by the selected Indian Strategic Partner in collaboration with the selected OEM. In addition, the Indian Navy would have the option to manufacture six more submarines under the project," the Defence Ministry said. This is the second project being undertaken under the latest Strategic Partnership (SP) Model, with the first being the procurement of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH).
The ministry says the project "will provide a major boost to the indigenous design and construction capability of submarines in India, in addition to bringing in the latest submarine design and technologies as part of the project." "This will be an important step towards meeting broader national objectives, encouraging self reliance and aligning the defence sector with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government," it added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2019 08:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).